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Described as “An excellent firm with top-notch lawyers” by Chambers and Partners and named a top media and entertainment practice by Law360, Covington helps clients in the media, internet, and technology industries secure competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded—and regulated—marketplace.

Covington offers integrated regulatory and policy, transactional, intellectual property, and litigation expertise in order to meet the specialized needs of clients around the world.

Altice’s $9.1 Billion Suddenlink Acquisition

Representation of European telecommunications company Altice S.A. (Euronext ATC) in a $9.1 billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in Suddenlink, a top ten cable operator in the U.S.

U.S. Appeals Court Shoots Down FCC Merger-Review Disclosure Order

Successful representation of CBS Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., Time Warner Inc., Univision Communications Inc., and Viacom Inc. Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in connection with the disclosure of programming contracts with pay-TV providers as part of the FCC’s review of pending cable and satellite mergers.

Microsoft’s EUR 5.44 Billion Nokia Transaction

Representation of Microsoft Corp. in its purchase of substantially all of Nokia’s devices & services business and licensing of Nokia’s patents. Covington advised on IP, commercial and regulatory matters on the transaction.

Tribune Company $2.73 Billion Acquisition of Local TV Holdings

Served as communications regulatory counsel to Tribune Company in its $2.73 billion acquisition of Local TV Holdings, LLC.

NFL Sunday Ticket DirecTV Deal

Representation of the National Football League in connection with its deal to extend DirecTV's exclusive rights to carry NFL Sunday Ticket in a multi-year agreement.

Univision’s IPO

Served as communications regulatory counsel to Univision in filing for an initial public offering of Class A common stock in the United States on July 2, 2015.

Successful representation of Public Television Stations in FCC matter

Represented the Association of Public Television Stations before the D.C. Circuit, in successfully defending an FCC order providing that public television stations may use their surplus digital capacity for commercial purposes, including non-broadcast advertisements.

Representation of a major software company in the successful mediation of multi-million dollar software errors and omissions insurance claims.

Success in federal copyright infringement lawsuit

Successfully defended 20th Century Fox Film Corporation and Chernin Entertainment in a federal copyright infringement lawsuit filed in the Central District of California. After extensive litigation, the case settled, with a complete walkaway and limit on future suits.

State-Owned Chinese Media Group

Advised a state-owned Chinese media group with respect to an international co-production project to be produced by a leading Hollywood producer.

Sports Leagues on Broadband Issues

Regularly advise the NFL on a range of broadband issues, from net neutrality to online privacy to compulsory copyright, and briefed the NBA on how the media landscape is changing, and how broadband is both a compliment and a threat to existing models.

Sony Network Services' Negotiation of Agreement with Alltel

Sony Network Services in the negotiation of an agreement with Alltel, the U.S. mobile network operator, to provide the "StreamMan" personalized music service to Alltel's cellphone customers.

Pathnet Telecommunications

Represented a manufacturer of lightweight communications supplies that had been proposed for debarment by the General Services Administration ("GSA"). After obtaining an emergency waiver of the proposed debarment, which enabled our client to continue filling new orders, we filed a formal written response that convinced GSA to terminate the proposed debarment.

Association of Public Television Stations in Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ Inc., v. FCC

Representation of the Association of Public Television Stations on whether public television stations may use their surplus digital capacity for commercial purposes, including non-broadcast advertisements.

China Based Gaming Company in Popular Messenger App Investment

Advised Tencent Holdings Ltd. on its $50 million investment in Ontario-based KIKInteractive, Inc., a messenger application with more than 200 million registered users.

China-Based Gaming Company Corporate Venture Investments

Advised Tencent Holdings Limited in connection with its investment activities relating to public and private companies.

Charter Communications

Advising Internet companies on advertising claims

Advising major Internet companies as to the substantiation required to defend advertising claims made about their products and services.

Advertising terms and guideline

Routinely draft ad-serving agreements, data licenses, and advertising terms and guidelines for website advertising and advertising delivered on mobile and social media platforms.

Altice Cross-Border Telecoms Acquisition

Represented Altice in its $9.1 billion acquisition of Suddenlink.

AOLs advertising businesses

Providing general privacy advice in connection with AOL’s advertising businesses.

Cedel International in its investment in U.S. Spanish Television Network

Advised Cedel International Investment, an international investment fund, in its investment in V-ME Media, Inc., the owners and operators of the V-ME Network, the fourth largest Spanish television network in the United States.

Cable One privacy class action

Achieved dismissals of three putative class actions against Cable One, a cable and Internet service provider, in litigation involving claims under the Wiretap Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and related state laws. The litigation arose out of a third party’s test of a system using “deep packet inspection” for the purpose of serving targeted advertisements.

Advising Large Public Companies and Investors on Corporate Governance Matters

Represented boards in the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, health insurance, home equipment, advertising, motor vehicles, network communications, and technology industries as well as hedge funds, public pension funds, and other investors with respect to corporate governance developments regarding board and committee composition, crisis management, cybersecurity, internal controls, shareholder proposals, proxy access, political spending, and other sensitive disclosures and similar matters.

Aristocrat Leisure in Casino Gaming Technology Acquisition

AOL privacy class action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against AOL alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Video Privacy Protection Act, and numerous state laws. The suit alleged unauthorized collection of personal information from the plaintiffs’ computers using “Flash cookies” and unlawful disclosure of video viewing information to third parties.

AOL TCPA class action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against AOL alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The complaint sought to hold AOL liable for misdirected text messages sent by users of AOL’s Instant Messenger system.

USTA in ESPN Broadcast Deal

Advised the United States Tennis Association Incorporated and ESPN, Inc. on an 11-year broadcast deal regarding telecasting the entire US Open exclusively on ESPN networks starting in 2015.

USA Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Advice regarding sponsorship and financing negotiations for the proposed USA Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Univision Communications in Communications-Related Regulatory Matters

Representation of Univision Communications in all communications-related regulatory matters. Univision is the nation’s largest integrated Spanish-language media company and the fifth-largest broadcast network in any language, which owns nearly 150 radio and television stations, three national programming networks, internet portals and a suite of mobile communications products.

Two Major Hollywood Studios on Various Feature Films in China

Advise two of the major Hollywood studios on a number of different feature films in China. Film projects for the majors include both studio films intended for wide international release, as well as local Chinese-language productions. Work for the majors also include advice regarding cooperation agreements, development, copyright and IP infringement, and relationships with talent.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. in CBS Sports and NCAA Matters

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. in the creation of its joint venture with CBS Sports and the venture’s 14-year television and new media rights agreement with the NCAA to present the Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Venture Negotiations and Public Policy Efforts for Pearl Mobile DTV

Represented Pearl Mobile DTV in establishing a nine-company venture to provide Mobile Digital Television services in the United States. Covington led the negotiations leading to the creation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, the negotiation of content license agreements, and public policy efforts before Congress and at the White House and the FCC.

Verizon $1.7 billion pension plan error

Obtained a court order for Verizon reforming a $1.7 billion drafting error in a pension plan formula. This was the first court order correcting a scrivener’s error in an ERISA plan.

Verizon Communications’ $7.5 billion annuity purchase

Represented Verizon Communications with respect to its pension plan’s $7.5 billion annuity purchase (one of the largest pension annuitization transactions in US history), and successfully defending Verizon against an attempt by retirees to block the transaction in court.

Wireline Competition Before FCC for Client TDS Telecom

Representation of TDS Telecom on a range of wireline issues before the FCC, including universal service, ETC regulation, intercarrier compensation and CALEA. We represent the world’s largest independent directory assistance providers on a range of issues before the FCC, including retail competition.

Washington National Cathedral in Copyright Matter in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Representation of Washington National Cathedral in a copyright action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to enjoin a major movie studio from its unauthorized use of a Cathedral sculpture in a popular feature film.

Village Roadshow Limited (VRL) on Theme Park on Hainan Island

Advised Village Roadshow Limited (VRL) on its destination theme park on Hainan Island, China. The theme park will focus on marine animal attractions, with a similar format to VRL’s Sea World on Australia's Gold Coast, and will also include a Wet ‘n Wild style water park.

Village Roadshow Entertainment Group Asia on Multiple Matters

Wide ranging advice to Village Roadshow Entertainment Group Asia, which has co-produced leading Chinese box office hits such as Stephen Chow’s “Journey to the West.”

Verizon pension class action

Defeated an effort by a class of retirees to block Verizon’s purchase of an annuity contract to settle $7.5 billion in pension liabilities.

Testified in Favor of and Played an Advisory Role in Crafting, Federal Legislation to Limit “Libel Tourism”

A Covington partner testified in favor of, and played an advisory role in crafting, federal legislation to limit “libel tourism,” the practice of libel plaintiffs suing U.S. publishers abroad. The resulting legislation, the SPEECH Act, unanimously passed the House and the Senate and was signed into law in August 2010.

TerreStar Networks in Compliance Matter

Representation of TerreStar Networks, one of the companies that won a license to offer mobile satellite service (“MSS”) in the 2 GHz band, on critical milestone compliance and MSS spectrum allocation issues.

Television Clients on Pre-Publication Review, Newsgathering and Subpoena Defense Issues

Provided pre-publication review, newsgathering and subpoena defense work for television clients in some 25 states on a 24/7/365 basis. To ensure that our team is fully available to journalists around the clock, we have established technical solutions so that scripts, video clips and documents are distributed electronically to all members of our team simultaneously.

Specialty Equipment Manufacturers on FCC Compliance

Representation of one of the leading distributors of televisions to the healthcare field, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers, on FCC compliance issues. When its leading manufacturer discovered problems complying with an FCC rule, we sought a waiver of the FCC’s Part 15 requirements for one of the leading TV set manufacturer in this market.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment in Class Action Lawsuit

Representation of Sony BMG Music Entertainment in a class action lawsuit challenging royalties for downloading music and in connection with an insurance coverage dispute arising out of damage allegedly caused by DRM software included on music CDs.

SES Americom on Advice and Advocacy at FCC and DOJ

For SES Americom, we provided advice and advocacy at the FCC and DOJ concerning the impact of the News Corp. acquisition of Hughes Electronics (and its subsidiary, PanAmSat), on competition in the satellite distribution services industry.

San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council Member

Covington is the only law firm member of the San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council, a coalition between the City of San Francisco and a host of leading digital media and entertainment companies, including Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm, Dolby Labs, Wild Brain Entertainment, Giant Killer Robots, Dreamworks Animation and Pixar.

Rural Local Exchange Carrier with Telecommunications Issues

Representation of one of the industry’s largest rural local exchange carriers as principal outside regulatory counsel in the U.S. in connection with universal service, intercarrier compensation and broadband compliance, investigations and policymaking proceedings.

Two Major National News and Public Affairs Magazines and a National Newspaper on International Newsgathering and Libel Exposure Issues

Advised two major national news and public affairs magazines and a national newspaper on international newsgathering and libel exposure issues. For example, we have advised on the use of hidden cameras in Africa, India and Europe. We also represented a 50-member media coalition in successfully persuading Canadian courts not to exercise jurisdiction over the Washington Post in Bangoura v. Washington Post.

Verizon in Dispute with RIAA

Representation of Verizon in a dispute with the Recording Industry Association of America over the application of safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to subscribers’ sharing of music and other content using peer-to-peer services.

XM Satellite Radio on Insurance Claim

Advised XM Satellite Radio on an insurance claim arising out of the solar array anomaly in its two Boeing 702 satellites and have advised a leading aerospace insurance broker on the wording of satellite-in-orbit policies.

Yahoo! in Trademark Infringement Suit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Representation of Yahoo! in a trademark infringement suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in which Yahoo! was accused of infringing the mark “Street Buzz” by using the term on its website in connection with web-based video segments.

Settlement in trade secrets case

Achieved a favorable settlement on behalf of a telecommunications client filing a claim against a former employee accused of breaching post-employment restrictive covenants and confidentiality obligations, as well as misappropriating trade secrets.

Trial Win in Russian Media Corporate Control Dispute

After five-month bench trial, won verdict of nearly $30 million on behalf of New Media Holdings in multinational corporate control dispute over ownership of Ukrainian television network.

Season 15 of CBS/Mark Burnett’s “Survivor”

China counsel for Season 15 of CBS/Mark Burnett’s “Survivor” (which was shot entirely in China).

Satellite Provider in Seeking Broader Access to Markets in China, Mexico and Elsewhere

Representation of a satellite provider in seeking broader access to markets in China, Mexico and elsewhere, which allowed us to combine our trade and communications expertise.

Assisted a satellite provider in establishing a European services satellite trade association. Subsequent representation of the association enabled us to combine our knowledge of law relating to EU trade associations with our experience in EU legislative advocacy in the telecom industry.

Representation of Microsoft in connection with its complaint regarding the anticompetitive patent licensing practices of Motorola Mobility.

Report on Policy Options for Creation of Independent Regulatory Authorities in the EU

Researched and crafted a comprehensive report on the policy options for creation of independent regulatory authorities in the EU.

Reliance Infocomm Limited in $750 Million Financing

Represented Reliance Infocomm Limited in connection with its $750 million financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Export Development Canada. The financing was provided to assist Reliance Infocomm in building a state of the art telecommunications infrastructure for India -- the largest and most complex information and communications technology initiative in the world. The definitive documents for the facility were entered into in December 2004 and the facility was drawn on in March 2005. The facility was the largest telecom installations loan for any company world-wide in 2004.

Qualcomm in Acquisitions and Investments with Omnia

Qualcomm in acquisitions and investments including its joint venture with Omnia, a subsidiary of Saudi Oger, to create a UK-based company to deploy CDMA-based technology; its acquisition of UK-based Elata (Holdings) Limited, which provides content delivery and device management software systems; and its acquisition of Trigenix Limited, a European mobile content delivery software producer.

Public Broadcasting Service

In complex proceedings before the Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel, to allocate royalties among owners of TV programming rights.

Assessed proposed communications laws in countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Broadcasters, Washington Post, and NFL on Broadband Matters

Advised local broadcasters, which have unique content in many markets, as they explore deals to move their content to broadband platforms, advised the Washington Post, and worked for many years with the NFL on a range of important communications and media issues, including debates on Sunday Ticket, importation of distant signals, and Internet gambling.

Broadcasters on Range of Legislative Issues

Representation of broadcasters on a range of legislative issues, including media ownership and the digital television transition. When the FCC proposed to increase the number of stations a network could own, Covington led the effort to urge Congress to adopt a special provision reversing the FCC. On behalf of broadcasters, we have been deeply involved in drafting every provision affecting the digital television transition over the past decade. Our long involvement in these issues before the Commission enable us to contribute effectively and efficiently to the debate before Congress.

Belo Corporation in Agreement with Weathernews Inc

Belo Corporation, an owner of television and radio stations and daily newspapers, in an agreement with Weathernews, Inc., an aggregator of digital content. Belo provided news and weather information, including video clips, for distribution by Weathernews to mobile telephones.

Belo Corp. in Formation of Joint Venture with Right This Minute LLC

Belo Corp. in the formation of a joint venture with Right This Minute LLC to produce and distribute alternative news programming to local television stations.

Barrington Broadcasting's Arrangement with Granite Broadcasting

Barrington Broadcasting in a novel four-station shared services/joint-sales arrangement with Granite Broadcasting for coordinated television station operations in two markets.

Barclays in the Acquisition of the Naming Rights to Barclays Center

Represented Barclays in connection with its acquisition of the naming rights to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, for a term of 20 years.

Baidu, Inc. in Media Venture

Representation of Baidu, Inc., China’s leading search engine, with respect to a media venture.

Atari Games in Litigation in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Representation of Atari Games in litigation involving home video game trademarks in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

AT&T against Claims of Misleading Advertisements

Representation of AT&T in a trial in the District of Maryland concerning claims by a competitor that AT&T’s advertisements for telephone calling cards were misleading.

Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. on Legislative and Regulatory Broadcast-Related Issues

Representation of the TV industry trade association, the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), with respect to legislative and regulatory issues affecting broadcast television service, including the congressionally-mandated transition to an all-digital television service in June 2009 and the FCC's preparation of the National Broadband Plan mandated by Congress in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

80-Member Media Coalition to Protect Journalists’ Rights

Led an 80-member media coalition in persuading Congress to introduce legislation to protect journalists’ rights to protect their sources.

Represented a tech firm in FTC investigation of a standard setting organization

Represented technology firm in connection with a FTC investigation of a standard setting organization.

Representation of Sony Music Entertainment in IP related claims

Represent Sony Music Entertainment in matter involving contract and intellectual property claims by former music manager regarding 70’s rock act.

Resolution of copyright infringement matter for international video game publisher

Represented international video game publisher in copyright infringement claims by major record labels and publishing companies regarding licensing of sound recordings and compositions. Successfully resolved all claims without litigation.

NBA Properties and NBA Member Teams in Trademark Litigation Concerning the DREAM TEAM Mark

Representation of NBA Properties and the NBA member teams in trademark litigation concerning the DREAM TEAM mark in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and also in anti-counterfeiting litigation concerning other NBA marks brought in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against purveyors of counterfeit NBA merchandise in connection with an NBA All-Star game.

Advertising Transitions Negotiations Involving Paid-Programming

Advertising-Based Content Licensing Arrangements Negotiations

Negotiated advertising-based content licensing arrangements, including in print, broadcast, and online media, and those associated with mobile-telephone content.

PBS in Proceedings Before FCC, U.S. Copyright Office, and Other Policy Settings

Representation of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in proceedings before the FCC, U.S. Copyright Office and other policy settings, including with respect to the role and distribution of educational and other noncommercial media across the broadcast, online, mobile and other IP-based platforms.

Inquam Limited in Acquisition of Telemobil S.A.

Inquam Limited in its acquisition of Telemobil S.A., the Romanian wireless telecommunications operator, and on Telemobil’s subsequent vendor financing facility with Lucent Technologies.

Innovative Program Agreements Negotiations for Multiple Clients

Negotiated various innovative program agreements for (a) the NFL, including for example, its deals with ESPN and Sprint and one with TiVo to protect its programming against Internet piracy, (b) other program deals involving PBS, Comcast and Children’s Television Workshop and (c) NBC Weather Plus and NBC Broadband -- joint ventures between the network and its affiliates.

Advertising of “Functional Foods”

Advised on the advertising of “functional foods” -- foods and dietary supplements with particular health benefits and organic foods.

Adobe on Media-Related Project

Advise U.S. software company, Adobe, on a media-related project in China.

PBS in Two Trademark-Related Matters

Representation of Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) in trademark litigation to recover the PBS.COM domain name in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia; and in an opposition proceeding before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, claiming that applicant's mark BE MORE RESPONSIBLE is likely to cause confusion with PBS's BE MORE mark.

PBS in Negotiations and Administrative Proceedings

Advise Public Broadcasting Service in negotiations and administrative proceedings relating to the distribution of statutory copyright royalties by the United States Copyright Office.

PBS in False Advertising Claims Matters

Representation of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in a trial of false advertising claims brought by PBS challenging a video marketer’s use of the phrase “public television presents” in the Eastern District of Virginia.

In re TFT-LCD Antitrust Litigation

Represent Samsung in consolidated antitrust price-fixing and deceptive practice class actions involving liquid crystal displays. Won dismissal of claims valued at more than $3.5 billion, brought by Motorola Mobility against Samsung Electronics and several other manufacturers, shortly before trial.

In re High-Tech Employee Antitrust Litigation

Global policies and procedures

Advising Microsoft on a broad range of privacy and data security issues impacting its services in Europe and at a global level.

Global compliance advice for new products

Advising a large social network on compliance with U.S., EU and international data privacy laws in relation to its launch of new services and functionality, including geotargeting, facial recognition and targeted advertising.

GHL Acquisition Corp. in Acquisition of Iridium Holdings LLC

GHL Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by Greenhill & Co., Inc., in its acquisition of Iridium Holdings LLC, the leading mobile satellite services provider.

Outbound patent litigation

Defending a Korean memory chip maker in its suit involving seven patents relating to semiconductor manufacturing processes. As a result of our aggressive and strategic approach, the case settled well prior to trial on very favorable terms to our client.

Pearl Mobile DTV in Project to Provide Mobile Digital Television Services in U.S.

Pearl Mobile DTV in establishing a nine-company venture to provide Mobile Digital Television services in the United States. Covington attorneys led the negotiations leading to the creation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, the negotiation of content license agreements, and public policy efforts before Congress and at the White House and the FCC.

Production counsel for Keanu Reeves’s directorial debut, "Man of Tai Chi," a co-production involving Village Roadshow Entertainment Group Asia and China Film Group, which was picked up for release by Universal.

Privacy, Libel, and Related Liability Issues

Political Advertising Issues for Multiple Clients

Advised on the full-range of political advertising issues, with clients ranging from candidates to political parties, to broadcast stations.

NFL in the renewal of Motorola's sideline sponsorship

Represented the NFL in the renewal of Motorola’s sideline sponsorship with the NFL for coaches’ headsets and other wireless equipment. Covington helped the NFL define the rules—and the scope of the covered business category—to ensure a win for both sides.

Assist the National Football League in registering copyright and combatting the unauthorized retransmission and public performance of NFL game telecasts over the internet.

NFL in $18 Billion Eight-Year Programming Agreements

The National Football League in negotiating its $18 billion eight-year programming agreements with ABC, CBS and Fox Television, its interactive media rights/online cross-promotion and marketing agreement with AOL, CBS and Sportsline.com, and its international content distribution deal with Yahoo!

Advised on news gathering issues in relation to an undercover documentary being filmed in Europe and Africa.

NHL Digital Rights and Related Transactions with MLB Advanced Media

Represented the NHL in connection with entry into a six-year digital rights partnership under which the NHL licensed to MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) rights to distribute the NHL’s out-of-market subscription packages, digital and online properties, and related rights, and in connection with negotiations for an equity stake in a to-be-formed tech company that is expected to be created by MLBAM.

NHL on $5 Billion Canadian Broadcast Rights Deal

Advised the National Hockey League in negotiating its twelve-year, C$5.2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for national broadcast and multimedia rights to NHL games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final, in Canada.

Guidance to Governments on Telecommunications Matters

Advised governments on the privatization of telecom service providers, crafting regulations for the introductions of regulatory structures to foster competition in the telecommunications industry; drafted regulations governing telecom activities; and established a licensing and regulatory structure for the introduction of next-generation wireless telecommunications service.

Guidance on Advertising and Sponsorship Arrangements

NBA Expanded Partnerships with Turner Broadcasting and The Walt Disney Company

Represented the NBA in expanding its partnerships with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company through new, nine-year agreements under which ABC, TNT, and ESPN will televise NBA games beginning with the 2016-17 season and running through the 2024-25 season.

Mexico-Based Multi-System Cable Operator in Joint Venture

Representation of a Mexico-based multi-system cable operator in a joint venture with a Mexico-based local and long-distance telecom company.

Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic, PBS, and Others before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

Representation of numerous clients, including Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic Society, Public Broadcasting Services, M Financial, Promontory Financial Group, U.S. Soccer Federation, Lewis Brothers Bakeries and Rosie O’Donnell in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Pandora Media, Inc. in its acquisition of Next Big Sound, Inc.

Represented Pandora Media, Inc. in its acquisition of Next Big Sound, Inc.,

Outside Counsel to Independent Producer of Chinese Reality Television Shows

Chief outside counsel to a leading independent producer of Chinese reality television shows, including "Pepsi’s Battle of the Bands" and the "Miss Universe China Reignwood Pageant."

Outbound mergers and acquisitions

Representing a very large Korea multinational company in its acquisition of an IT company located in North America.

Production Counsel for “The Karate Kid,” “Let the Bullets Fly,” and “The Orphan of Zhao”

Privacy Class Actions

Outbound Investment

Advising Lenovo in securing approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on its U.S. $2.3 billion acquisition of IBM's server business.

NFL in copyright infringement action

Represented the National Football League in a copyright infringement action against a satellite carrier, successfully obtaining statutory damages and a permanent injunction prohibiting satellite retransmission of game telecasts originating in the United States to locations outside the United States.

NFL in $17 Billion, 8-Year U.S. Programming Agreements

Representation of the National Football League in its $17 billion, 8-year U.S. network television programming agreements and in its agreements with AOL, SportsLine.com and others for the joint production of the official NFL websites.

NHL in connection with naming rights of Bell Centre in Montreal

Represented the NHL in connection with the Montreal Canadians' securitization of naming rights revenues for Bell Centre in Montreal.

Open Mobile Video Coalition to Facilitation and Promotion of Opportunities for 800 Television Stations

Representation of Open Mobile Video Coalition, consisting of some 800 television stations, which seeks to facilitate and promote mobile and portable video opportunities for broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and content suppliers.

Mass media company global public policy

One of the world’s largest global mass media companies needed support on a range of issues that intersect law and policy. We helped the client:

navigate U.S. sanctions on advertising, promotion, and distribution of content in international markets;

pursue a diplomatic solution to an IP rights dispute in the Middle East, leveraging extensive relationships at the State Department; and

advocate on federal issues with Members of the U.S. Congress.

Market entry

Assisting a major U.S. tech company with an entrance into China, including providing a comprehensive analysis of privacy and data protection issues in connection with that entry.

National Geographic Society in Two Trademark Matters

Representation of National Geographic Society in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against claims of infringement of an alleged family of ZONE marks asserted by the author of a series of ZONE books on health and nutrition; and in an opposition proceeding before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, claiming that applicant's EXPLORE CHANNEL mark is likely to cause confusion with National Geographic's EXPLORER marks.

Murphy v. Verizon Communications, Inc., et al.

Covington successfully represented Verizon in an ERISA class action case brought by three retirees claiming the transfer of their pensions to a spin-off company violated various requirements of ERISA. The Fifth Circuit granted summary judgment in favor of Verizon after discovery. When the case grew to a class action, the Fifth Circuit eventually affirmed the dismissal of all claims.

Microsoft, Verizon, AAA, and Others in UDRP Domain Name Proceedings

Representation of numerous clients, including Microsoft, Verizon, New Skies Satellites, LIN Television, American Automobile Association and Ourisman Dodge in UDRP domain name proceedings.

Microsoft public policy and government affairs

Microsoft wanted assistance with legal, public policy, and strategic issues. We support Microsoft on a wide array of policy and legislative issues, including privacy, national security, immigration, tax, and telecommunications, and assist them in gathering political intelligence and advocating before Congress and federal agencies.

Microsoft Nokia employee integration

Assisted Microsoft with the integration of approximately 32,000 Nokia employees across 60 countries, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services business.

Kangaroo Media Inc. in Negotiation of Agreement with Formula One

Kangaroo Media Inc. in the negotiation of an agreement with Formula One for the rights to provide a handheld TV service to racing fans at F1 events around the world.

Negotiated on behalf of Nike on stadium sponsorship transactions and associated sports apparel merchandizing agreements involving F.C. Internazionale Milano, the Football Union of Russia, and the Cardiff Rugby Football Club.

Rooster Teeth Productions, Inc. in License Agreement

Rooster Teeth Productions, Inc., a company that produces animated shorts, in connection with a license agreement.

Reviewed on Behalf of U.S. Interests Defamation and Free Expression Laws Proposed for Iraq

Reviewed on behalf of U.S. interests defamation and free expression laws proposed for Iraq by a coalition of international experts.

Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Pricing Matters

Major League Baseball in the launch of the MLB Network

Represented MLB in connection with the formation and launch of the MLB Network, including negotiating joint venture arrangements with major carriers and the MLB Network’s carriage terms.

Microsoft Transactions

Representation of Microsoft Corp. in its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype Communications S.à.r.l., the largest acquisition in the company’s history, in connection with its $4.5 billion acquisition of certain Nortel patents, in its $7.2 billion acquisition of the handset division of Nokia, and its $2.5 billion acquisition of Mojang, the developer of Minecraft.

Microsoft Expatriate Issues

NASCAR in Production and Distribution of Daytona 500 Content

NASCAR in connection with the production and distribution of content related to the Daytona 500 on iTunes.

Multi-Billion Dollar NFL Sunday Ticket Deal

Represented the NFL in negotiating its multi-billion dollar deal with DIRECTV to extend DIRECTV's exclusive rights to carry the NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market games package through a new multi-year agreement. The new agreement expands DIRECTV’s rights to stream NFL Sunday Ticket on mobile devices and via broadband, and provides for the NFL and DIRECTV to explore the development of an NFL Sunday Ticket over-the-top subscription service. The deal also provides for DirecTV to continue to carry NFL Network.

Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television Issues

Advised Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television issues, including testimony before Congress, appearances at the FCC, and industry negotiations, and advised on industry negotiations to encourage movie studios and the cable industry to use their digital rights management technology for distributing movie and other content over the Internet.

Keanu Reeves and Stephan Hamel's Production Company on Project in China

Advised Keanu Reeves and Stephan Hamel’s production company, Company Films, on China projects.

Joint Ventures for Multiple Broadcast Clients

Representation of the first joint venture to provide Mobile Digital Television ("Mobile DTV") services in the United States in establishing a nine-company venture, as well as in negotiating a national joint venture with NBC, Fox and Ion Media to deploy this new digital service. This project has involved leading the negotiation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, leading the negotiation of certain programming and content agreements, and heading up public policy efforts with Congress, the White House, and the FCC.

Internet-Site Operators on Commercial Strategies

Led the leading litigations challenging the FCC’s rules on telemarketing and fax advertising.

Tribune/Sinclair Transaction

Represented Tribune Media in the merger of Tribune and Sinclair Broadcasting.

CenturyLink’s $2.2 Billion Sale of its Savvis Data Center Business

Represented CenturyLink in securing the CFIUS approval for the $2.2 billion sale of its Savvis data center business to a consortium led by BC Partners.

BSA on the EU Copyright Directive

Provided strategic advice and advocacy support to the Business Software Alliance on the EU Copyright Directive, proposed Software Patents Directive and IP Enforcement Directive, and more broadly assisted in efforts to promote the protection of IP in the EU and third countries.

Broadcasters on DTV Transition

Representation the broadcast industry and individual broadcasters for nearly two decades on the incredible range of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the transition to digital television. We helped negotiate the DTV standard, and devised the new frequency table. We worked closely at every step with the FCC’s engineers and with engineers across the television industry. We also worked to develop the new rules and legal requirements to accompany the detailed technical analysis.

Broadcasters and Programming Suppliers in Negotiations and Litigation

Representation of broadcasters and programming suppliers in negotiations and litigation with satellite carriers EchoStar and DirecTV.

WTO e-commerce debate representation

Advised a leading information technology company and represented them before the U.S. and EU governments in the WTO debate on e-commerce.

Univision in Deal for Carriage on DISH’s “Over the Top” Sling TV Service

Represented Univision Communications in the precedential agreement for carriage of Univision’s broadcast stations and cable networks on DISH’s “over the top” Sling TV service. The UCI media portfolio includes the Univision Network, one of the top five broadcast networks, and the most-watched Spanish language broadcast network in the U.S., reaching approximately 94 percent of U.S. Hispanic television households. The agreement covers the Univision and UniMas broadcast networks, as well as other UCI services, such as Univision Deportes and El Rey Network. Sling TV is a new online offering from one of the largest television distributors in the country, by which subscribers can view major network content via the Internet anywhere in the United States.

Libel Defense Litigation and Prepublication Review of News and Other Content for Broadcasters

Libel defense litigation and prepublication review of news and other content for broadcasters in some 35 states, including First Amendment, newsgathering, copyright, defamation and privacy advice, and opposing subpoenas from prosecutors and others.

Launch of LA Dodgers Regional Sports Network

Represented Time Warner Cable Inc. in a joint venture with the Los Angeles Dodgers to create a regional sports network that now carries the team’s games and in connection with the related distribution and license agreements.

Landmark Ruling for Tennis Channel

FCC handed Covington a decisive victory to the Tennis Channel in its discriminatory carriage lawsuit against Comcast Cable Communications, the largest distributor of video programming content.

Labrador Communications, a start-up new media company, in its exclusive content distribution agreement with Cingular Wireless for the distribution of Labrador’s stock-car racing audio programs as a subscription service to Cingular’s mobile telephone customers.

Coalition of Broadband Users and Innovators, including Microsoft, Google, and Consumer Groups before FCC and Congress

Led the Coalition of Broadband Users and Innovators, including Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google, eBay, and consumer groups before the FCC and Congress for policies that ensure that as broadband services are deregulated, these Internet content companies have the ability to reach their customers.

Confidential data leak

Provided guidance to a major technology and manufacturing company in connection with the unauthorized posting of employee personal information on a third-party webpage. Our efforts on behalf of the client included working with Internet service providers to remove the posted information and providing notice to potentially affected individuals and applicable state regulators.

Copyright Matters Relating to Rights to Photographic Archive and Wrongful Publication of Photographs

Advising on copyright matters relating to rights to an extensive photographic archive and on wrongful publication of photographs in Europe.

Copyright Advice on Advertising Issues

Provided copyright advice on advertising issues, including with respect to copyright risk-assessment and worked with clients to develop copyright compliance strategies.

Content Provider in Global Partnership with International Telecommunications Provider

Representation of a global content provider in its global partnership with an international telecommunications provider to develop and operate a 3G mobile music service.

Representation of a client opposed to certain aspects of proposed European Digital Video Broadcasting Standards, a matter on which we integrated our expertise in IP law, competition law and substantive and procedural aspects of the EU standardization process.

Representation of a client in the EU opposing the merger of two, U.S.-based global telecom service providers -- a matter that involved complex issues under EU competition law.

LIN TV Corp. in Acquisition of Red McCombs Media

LIN TV Corp. in its acquisition of Red McCombs Media, an online advertising company and one of Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing private companies.

Largest Media Rights Deal in NHL History

Represented the NHL in negotiating its 12 year, C$5.232 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for national broadcast and multimedia rights to NHL games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, in Canada. The agreement is the largest media rights deal in NHL history and one of the largest media rights deals, including the largest-ever sports-media rights agreement, in Canadian history.

Leading Food and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers on Advertising Requirements

Counseled leading human and animal food and pharmaceutical manufacturers on all facets of food and drug labeling, marketing and advertising requirements.

EU investigation regarding abusive search related conduct

Representation of Microsoft, Expedia, and Trip Advisor in the U.S. and Europe in connection with investigations regarding Google’s abusive search-related conduct.

Facebook Transactions

Representation of Facebook, Inc. in many transactions, including its $22 billion acquisition of WhatsApp, $2 billion acquisition of Oculus, and $1 billion acquisition of Instagram.

FCC v. Fox Television Stations, Inc.

Covington successfully represented CBS and NBC Television Affiliates in this case involving the FCC’s policy on broadcast of "fleeting expletives." The Supreme Court held that the agency’s policy violated the Due Process Clause, an argument emphasized in Covington’s brief for the television stations.

Favorable ICC award for New Skies

Representation of New Skies in an ICC arbitration awarding relief of more than US$150 million to our client for a defective communications satellite.

Entertainment and Media Start-Up Companies in China

Advise start-ups such as producers of original Web content and digital music services.

Defending whistleblower claims

Defended claims threatened against a technology company in the US and the UK, involving alleged SOX whistleblower protections and unlawful detriment claims.

EU telecom coalition advice

We have served as secretariat to several informal coalitions working on telecommunications issues and intellectual property protection.

EU legislative advice for software companies

We have represented software companies on EU and national legislation concerning software standards, copyright infringement, electronic commerce, data protection, and other issues.

EU Commission defense of Microsoft's Skype acquisition

Represented Microsoft in connection with Cisco’s appeal against the European Commission’s decision to approve Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype.

Fax Business Coalition Advocating FCC to Amend Rules

Representation of a coalition of 600 companies and trade associations advocating the FCC to amend its rules to enable business to use faxes to contact their customers. When Congress adopted a law allowing those faxes, we represented the coalition before Congress on implementing this law.

Favorable settlement for Raycom Media

Represented Raycom Media in obtaining a favorable settlement of a lawsuit brought against the City of Cleveland when the mayor issued a formal edict barring all city officials from speaking with WOIO-TV, a Raycom-owned CBS affiliate, after the station aired a documentary critical of the mayor.

Development of Technical Substantiation Supporting Product Claims

Developed technical substantiation to support product claims made in labeling, promotions and advertising, and in the defense of substantiation in the litigation context.

Development and Guidance of Advertising Policies

Advised on advertising policies, including with respect to privacy laws, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and developed advertising policies.

Defamation Laws in Bosnia

Drafted new defamation laws for Bosnia.

Cyrte Investments on Investment in Co-production with Chinese Studio

Advised private equity firm Cyrte Investments on a major investment in a co-production with a Chinese studio.

Employee data breach support

Provided guidance to a major technology and manufacturing company in connection with the unauthorized posting of employee personal information on a third-party webpage. Our efforts on behalf of the client included working with Internet service providers to remove the posted information and providing notice to potentially affected individuals and applicable state regulators.

DOJ investigation of Middle East business practices

Representing a high-profile media entity in a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of business practices in the Middle East.

BSA in Major Domestic and International Copyright Law Reform Efforts

Advise Business Software Alliance in most of the major domestic and international copyright law reform efforts resulting from the advent of the digital age, including the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the WIPO Treaties, the EU Copyright Directive, the EU Software Directive, implementation of the TRIPS Agreement, and amendments to existing copyright laws in over 30 countries worldwide.

Electronic Arts in its Acquisition of 19.9% Stake in Ubisoft Entertainment

Representation of Electronic Arts in its acquisition of a 19.9% stake in French game company Ubisoft Entertainment, in a transaction requiring the participation of multiple Covington offices on various corporate, antitrust and international issues.

Communications and Media Joint Ventures

Counseling for joint ventures for a variety of clients in media and communications, including cable channel ventures, joint ventures for video programming and content, and satellite, wireless, and broadcast joint ventures.

Altice Transactions

Representation of Altice N.V., in its $18 billion acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corp. and its $9.1 billion acquisition of Suddenlink.

Verizon Communications Transactions

Representation of Verizon Communications in several transactions, including its $3.89 billion acquisition of AOL. Also advised the company in connection with its purchase of UK-based Vodafone’s 45 percent ownership of Verizon Wireless, as well as Vodafone’s purchase of Verizon’s interest in Vodafone Italy, which was valued at $124.1 billion.

Qualcomm/CSR Transaction

Representation of Qualcomm in connection with its acquisition of CSR plc, with filings in China, Germany, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Expedia/Orbitz Transaction

Secured a significant victory for Expedia (and consumers) in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Orbitz. The DOJ closed its “second request” investigation without taking any enforcement action.

$2 billion Los Angeles Clippers Acquisition

Represented Steve Ballmer in his $2 billion acquisition of the Los Angeles Clippers from The Sterling Family Trust.

Innovative New Product for Global Communications Firm

Advising a global network that enables institutions to send and receive information about financial transactions on an innovative new communications technology platform.

Pre-Incident Advice and Assessments

We regularly advise clients on compliance with information security requirements and best practices, including, among others, governance best practices, vendor contract terms and due diligence, the implementation of information security controls to satisfy regulatory requirements, and the conduct of vulnerability assessments.

Data Breach Response and Compliance

We have counseled clients on all aspects of data breach response globally, including incidents involving more than 100,000 impacted employees, payment card incidents involving millions of consumers, and breaches of other personal information impacting more than 50 million consumers.

Facebook acquisitions

Advised Facebook, in connection with its acquisitions of Instagram, Oculus, WhatsApp and other entities.

Going Private of Cellular and Satellite Technology Company

Represented Telular Corporation in its $253 million acquisition by Avista Capital Partners.

Hulu Video Privacy Protection Act class action

Achieved dismissal on summary judgment of a putative class action against Hulu alleging violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act. The complaint alleged that Hulu disclosed to third parties the video viewing information of individual Hulu users.

HaloIPT Wireless Charging Technology Acquisition

Represented HaloIPT, a leading provider of wireless charging technology for electric road vehicles, in Qualcomm’s acquisition of its assets and technology.

DAA Self-Regulatory Principles

Represented a third party in responding to an inquiry by the Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program regarding compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising.

Deep experience

We have represented clients in numerous other congressional investigations and oversight hearings, including a major internet services company in an investigation of its practices abroad, a chemical manufacturer in an investigation of the safety of its products, an insurance company in a hearing on the federal long term care insurance program, a financial services company in an investigation of credit card terms, and drug companies in investigations concerning such matters as payments to doctors, marketing practices, generic approvals, drug importation, and drug safety.

Enforcing NAFTA commitments regarding television programming

Advised major U.S. television program suppliers in enforcing Canada’s market access commitments under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Educational and children’s privacy rules

Advising Microsoft on the application of educational and children’s privacy rules to cloud computing services.

Digital Domain

Developers of child-directed apps

Advised developers of child-directed apps on the FTC’s informal guidance on the collection of audio files and other user-generated content, push notifications, in-app purchases, and other interactive features.

Addressing Regulatory Enforcement Actions

We have addressed regulatory investigations and enforcement actions from regulators in the United States, Europe, and Asia following data breaches. These have included investigations or formal enforcement proceedings brought by the Federal Trade Commission, State Attorneys General, and the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, and by data protection authorities and sector-specific regulators across Europe and Asia.

Eastman Kodak Company

Represented Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee, as member of ad hoc committee of noteholders in this Chapter 11 case.

New online advertising products

Represented a large social-media platform in connection with the development and implementation of new online advertising products.

National Public Radio privacy class action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against National Public Radio alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Stored Communications Act, and state laws. The complaint alleged that mobile app developers wrongfully transmitted personal information to third party advertising companies.

Microsoft's acquisitions of Nokia and Skype

Advised Microsoft in relation to the data protection aspects of the purchases of Nokia’s device and services business and Skype.

Microsoft Software Publisher Agreements

Represented Microsoft on terms of use and third-party software publisher agreements for its Azure and Office 360 cloud service platforms.

Microsoft privacy class action

Achieved summary judgment for Microsoft in a putative class action alleging unauthorized collection of geolocation information from the plaintiffs’ mobile devices. After a claim under the Wiretap Act was dismissed at the pleadings stage, we successfully obtained summary judgment on a remaining claim under the Stored Communications Act.

Microsoft in $7 Billion Acquisition of Devices and Services Business

Represented Microsoft, as IP, commercial, and regulatory counsel, in its $7 billion purchase of substantially all of Nokia’s devices & services business.

NFL Sports Data Collaboration with Sportsradar

Represented The National Football League on its next generation data collaboration with Sportsradar, a European sports data company.

Online Charity Auction Site in its Series E Financing

Advised BiddingForGood in its recent Series E financing. BiddingForGood is the leading online auction platform for charitable entities.

Microsoft Acquisition of AOL Patents

Represented Microsoft in the $1.1 billion acquisition of 800 patents from AOL, and its $550 million sale to Facebook of the right to acquire a portion of the AOL portfolio.

Los Angeles Clippers Acquisition

Represented Steve Ballmer in his $2 billion acquisition of the Los Angeles Clippers from The Sterling Family Trust.

Oplink Communications in Acquisition

Represented Oplink Communications in its $445 million acquisition by Koch Industries.

Online Charity Auction site in its Sale to Philanthropy Solutions Company

BiddingForGood, Inc., in its sale to FrontStream Holdings, Inc. a portfolio company of Arsenal Capital Partners.

Microsoft Acquisition of Nortel Patents

Represented Microsoft in the $4.5 billion winning bid in the auction of Nortel Networks Corporation’s 6000 patents and patent applications.

Nortel Networks

Represented Microsoft as a principal member of the consortium submitting the winning bid for the worldwide licensing and patent portfolio of Nortel for $4.5 billion.

Investigation in Self-Dealing and Financial Reporting Irregularities

Represented The Special Committee of Independent Directors of Adelphia Communications in its investigation of self-dealing by the Company’s controlling shareholders and improprieties in the Company’s financial reporting.

LinkedIn privacy class action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against LinkedIn alleging violations of the Stored Communications Act and state law. The complaint asserted that LinkedIn disclosed LinkedIn user identification numbers and LinkedIn URL addresses to third party advertising companies, which allowed those companies to correlate the identity of a user with his or her previously anonymous Web browsing history.

Launch of the WWE Network

Represented WWE in the launch of the WWE Network, a direct-to-consumer, subscription-only, online video channel that will air round-the-clock programming, including new programs and matches, an on-demand service, WrestleMania, and a six-decades-deep library for $9.99 a month. This is one of the first sports “over the top” offerings in the United States and the transaction received a great deal of publicity as a result.

LightBridge Communications in Cross-Border Acquisition

Represented Lightbridge Communications in its $240 million acquisition by Tech Mahindra Ltd.

Blockchain Industry Association

Providing strategic advice and support to a new blockchain industry association.

Blockchain Public Policy Counsel

We provide regular government affairs and public policy support and advice to a blockchain infrastructure and transaction processing company. In particular, we help them identify key stakeholders for Blockchain issues and guide them in their discussions with regulators in various jurisdictions and various industry sectors.

Blockchain Asset Acquisition

Advising a financial services company in connection with its acquisition of blockchain assets.

Blockchain Technology Advice

Advising a Fortune 100 company in connection with its evaluation of a blockchain-based technology service for cross-border payments.

Corporate Counsel to Blockchain Startup

Advising a start-up blockchain company building an identity platform in connection with corporate, venture capital, privacy, and commercial licensing transactions.

Pac-12 Networks in Twitter Streaming Deal

We represented Pac-12 Networks in its deal with Twitter for streaming of 150 live Olympic sports events from the Pac-12 universities.

Fox Networks Group in Online Distribution Agreements

We represented Fox Networks Group in various agreements for carriage of the Fox suite of cable networks and the Fox owned and operated broadcast television stations on various “over-the-top” Internet-based distribution platforms.

Representation of Teva Pharmaceuticals

We represented Teva in its strategic partnership with IBM, which enabled it to become the first multinational pharmaceutical company to deploy IBM’s Watson Health Cloud as its global technology platform. As part of the partnership, a joint Teva-IBM research team will work together using “big data” and machine-learning tools to develop disease models and advanced therapeutic solutions, including solutions designed to collect and analyze real world evidence. The deployment of these models and solutions will enable Teva to provide insights and real-time feedback directly to care providers and patients via mobile devices in order to achieve treatment optimizations and improved patient outcomes.

NBA in Live Virtual Reality Streaming with NextVR

We represented the NBA in a multi-year deal to stream live NBA games in virtual reality in a partnership with NextVR, which will become the official live virtual reality partner of the NBA. During the 2016-2017 season, live VR games will first be available to NBA League Pass subscribers, with single-game purchase opportunities to follow for all VR consumers as the NextVR app becomes available on new VR devices.

TouchTunes Music Corporation in Digital Media Matters

TouchTunes Music Corporation, the largest digital jukebox manufacturer, in connection with general matters.

The Washington Post Company's Sale of Newsweek

The Washington Post Company in connection with its sale of Newsweek.

Telkom SA former South African state telecommunications company

In successfully resisting U.S. enforcement of one of the largest ICC awards in recent years, following an arbitration handled by other counsel. 458 F.3d. 172 (3d Cir. 2006).

CenturyLink's $34 billion Acquisition of Level 3 Communications

Representing CenturyLink, Inc. on communications regulatory and national security matters in connection with its acquisition of Level 3 Communications Inc. in a transaction valued at $34 billion.

Acquisition of Optical Components Manufacturer

Represented Oplink Communications in its $445 million acquisition by Koch Industries.

Altice Acquisitions

Represented Altice before CFIUS in its acquisitions of Suddenlink Communications and Cablevision.

China Oceanwide’s Acquisition of International Data Group, Inc.

Represented China Oceanwide before CFIUS in its acquisition of International Data Group, Inc.

Won Lawsuit Challenging GSA Debarment of Tech Entrepreneur

Successfully litigated a challenge to the debarment of a technology entrepreneur by the General Services Administration, resulting in a published 43-page opinion setting aside the debarment on the basis of due process violations.

Vencore and KeyPoint’s Combination to Form Perspecta

Represented government contractors Vencore and KeyPoint Government Solutions and their private equity owner Veritas Capital as government contracts counsel in their combination with the U.S. Public Sector business of DXC Technology to form Perspecta.

Privacy Counsel

We help clients on all aspects of data privacy, addressing issues such as consent, transparency, privacy-by-design, and international transfers of personal data. Our industry-leading global privacy practice has experts who monitor the latest legislative, regulatory, and policy developments in jurisdictions worldwide.

Privacy Components of IoT Launch

We advise software platform developers on the privacy aspects of launching IoT offerings.

Global Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Agreements

We have negotiated on behalf of technology clients the data ownership, data privacy, and cybersecurity provisions of global agreements with automotive OEMs related to the provision of connected car services.

Connected Buildings Agreement

Counsel to Emerging Companies

We represent companies at all stages of development and in all aspects of their business, typically serving as outside general counsel. For early stage companies, we structure the relationships among founders, develop an intellectual property rights strategy, and help secure initial funding. As companies develop and expand, we provide strategic and legal advice, both domestic and international, on governance issues, capital structure, distribution, licensing and other commercial arrangements, venture capital financings, IPOs, and M&A transactions.

Autonomous Vehicles Public Policy Counsel

We advise multiple stakeholders in the autonomous vehicle industry on public policy developments in the United States, Europe, and globally that impact this sector.

Represented GHL Acquisition in its $591 million acquisition of Iridium Holdings.

FTC Investigation into third-party advertising service

Represented a third-party advertising service in responding to an inquiry by the FTC into the company’s technology for selecting and delivering online advertising.

FTC enforcement

Represented a third-party advertising service in responding to an inquiry by the FTC into the company’s technology for selecting and delivering online advertising. Mmatter was resolved without any formal enforcement action.

AI Algorithms and Services Cybersecurity

Advising a software company and other high-tech companies on the integrity and security of AI algorithms and services.

AI Technology Trade Controls

Advising a technology client on potential risks for violations of trade control laws and other criminal activity by AI technologies.

Digital Health AI

Advising regulated pharmaceutical and device companies on the use of AI for digital health services.

AI Autonomous Vehicle Insurance Coverage and Litigation

Advising a client in identifying and providing solutions to gaps in coverage relating to AI use and risk, including with respect to AI used for autonomous vehicles.

Government Contracts AI

Provided training to clients on AI and its impact in the government space.

Counsel for Expedia in obtaining dismissal of all claims in MDL litigation.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. Transactions

Covington advised Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. in its $1.3 billion acquisition of Video Games Technology Inc. (VGT) and in its $990 million acquisition of Big Fish Games, Inc. Covington regularly advises Aristocrat on antitrust transactional and other matters.

Representation of De Persgroep

Acted for De Persgroep as a complaining third party in the Mediahuis merger. The case was unprecedented as it resulted in a 3 to 2 merger in the newspaper sector. The merger was conditionally cleared by the new Belgian competition authority.

Trial Win in Russian Media Corporate Control Dispute

After five-month bench trial, won verdict of nearly $30 million on behalf of New Media Holdings in multinational corporate control dispute over ownership of Ukrainian television network.

Representation of a Russian Media Company in a Disposition

Represented Media-Most, a company founded by Russian businessman Vladimir Gusinski, in the sale of its interests in the NTV broadcasting group to Gazprom.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment in Class Action Lawsuit

Sony BMG Music Entertainment in a class action lawsuit brought by the Allman Brothers Band and Cheap Trick on behalf of all artists whose contracts pre-date the era of digital downloaded music. Sony BMG pays the artists under the applicable royalty rate for album sales at brick-and-mortar record stores, while the artists claim that Sony BMG should be paying a much greater royalty rate for downloaded music.

NFL on DirecTV Deal

Representation of the National Football League in connection with its deal to extend DirecTV's exclusive rights to carry NFL Sunday Ticket in a multi-year agreement.

Altice’s $18 Billion Cablevision Acquisition

Representation of Altice N.V. in its $18 billion acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation, which will make Altice the 4th largest U.S. cable operator with approximately 4.5 million customers.

Securities Counsel to Numerous Fortune 500 companies

Represent numerous Fortune 500 companies in the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, health insurance, home equipment, advertising, motor vehicles, network communications, and technology industries with respect to the resolution of shareholder proposals concerning executive compensation, majority voting, proxy access, the right to call special meetings, political spending and lobbying disclosures, and a host of other topics.

Social Media Apps Leveraging Big Data

Represented Microstrategy in transactions related to the development of social media apps that leverage big data.

Predictive Analytics Company in Series A Funding

Advised EverString Innovation Technology in a $12 million Series A financing.

E-commerce Competition

Representing a global online service on competition issues raised by the use of AI to better respond to consumers.

Autonomous Vehicles AI Technology

Advising a tech company on a joint venture for the development of autonomous vehicles AI technology.

Counseling on Potential Tort Claims for AI Technologies

Advising providers of AI technologies in assessing the risk of tort and other legal claims.

Retail Sector Analytics AI

Advising retailers on the design and implementation of data analytics solutions utilizing AI.

Rightster Listing on AIM

Represented Rightster Group plc. in the listing of its shares to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Responding to Sophisticated Advanced Persistent Theat ("APT") Attacks

We have directed the investigations and response into APT attacks from state-sponsored actors and sophisticated criminal groups targeting intellectual property and other proprietary information. These attacks, and the responses, have spanned multiple industries and global companies, with investigations covering four continents.

Responding to Government Surveillance Inquiries

We have a leading practice advising Internet companies and cloud service providers on responding to legal demands seeking access to customer data or network surveillance, served by governments around the world.

Investors in the Old ITFS and MMDS Spectrums

Represented investors in the old ITFS and MMDS spectrums have turned to us for advise on new spectrum strategies, regulatory reform, and deal work.

Group of Secured Lenders in Restructuring FairPoint Communications

Representation of a group of secured lenders as principal outside regulatory counsel in the restructuring of FairPoint Communications.

Global Software and Technology Company in Telecommunications Regulatory Matters

Representation of one of the world’s largest global software and technology companies in a range of communications regulatory issues affecting its business.

Foreign Satellite Manufacturer on Corporate and Securities Law

Representation of a foreign satellite manufacturer on general corporate and securities law issues regarding its activities with a U.S. company developing a new satellite-based communications service.

Fax Ban Coalition, U.S. Chambers of Commerce, National Association of Realtors, and Coalition of Mortgage Finance Industry Businesses on Commercial Fax Messages Matter

Obtaining rules on commercial fax messages that protect consumers’ rights, but are fair to legitimate businesses, after multi-venue effort in Congress, in court and at the FCC on behalf of the Fax Ban Coalition, a cross-industry group of trade associations and businesses, as well as the U.S. Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors and a coalition of businesses in the mortgage finance industry.

Favorable ruling for Verizon in age discrimination suit

For Verizon, in a companion case to a similar claim against Equitable, secured the first favorable ruling in the Second Circuit on claims that cash balance plans violate the age discrimination provision of ERISA. Hirt v. The Equitable Retirement Plan, 533 F.3d 102 (2d Cir. 2008).

Disney in $7 Billion Acquisition of Infoseek Corporation

Representation of the Walt Disney Company in its $7 billion acquisition of Infoseek Corporation.

Development and Coordination of Anti-Piracy Strategies throughout Europe for Software Providers

Devised and coordinated anti-piracy strategies throughout Europe (including Russia and markets in Eastern Europe) to enforce the IPRs of leading software providers.

Cook Inlet and Others in Spectrum Auctions Process

Represented Cook Inlet and others in the spectrum auctions process.

Major Media Company on Telecommunication Matters

Representation of a major media company on all telecom matters relevant to its commencement and continuity of operations as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (i.e., a reseller of wireless service) in the U.S. market.

Major Publishers in United States and Europe on Cross-Border Libel Matters

Representation of major publishers in the United States and Europe on cross-border libel matters relating to Internet publication.

Raycom Media’s CBS-Affiliated Station in Cleveland in Opposing Newsgathering Restriction

Representation of Raycom’s CBS-affiliated station in Cleveland in opposing a newsgathering restriction imposed by the mayor of the City of Cleveland. Within 24 hours of the imposition of a ban on contacts to our clients’ journalists, we had begun preparation of an injunction action. Following initial hearings, we negotiated a resolution that resulted in full reinstitution of access for our client.

Qwest Communications International Inc. in Multiple Transactions

Representation of Qwest Communications International Inc. in a number of strategic transactions and proposed transactions, including its merger with CenturyLink (as local counsel in the District of Columbia and Maryland).

Qualcomm in Numerous European Acquisitions and Investments

Representation of Qualcomm in numerous European acquisitions and investments including its $200 million joint venture and private equity investment with Omnia, a subsidiary of Saudi Oger, to create a UK-based company to deploy CDMA-based technology.

Pulitzer-Prize Winning Author Ron Suskind on His War on Terror Investigative Work

Representation of Pulitzer-prize winning author Ron Suskind in connection with his investigative work on the war on terror and in particular, with his most recent bestselling work, The One Percent Doctrine.

On Behalf of MSTV, Representing the Television Industry on Key Legislative, FCC, and Industry Issues

On behalf of MSTV, representing the television industry on key legislative, FCC and industry issues, including, for example, negotiating a template agreement with Sprint Nextel for the migration of broadcast ENG services out of the 2 GHz spectrum, the implementation of a “hard date” for the transition to a digital-only television service, and for the process of electing and assigning final DTV channels.

NFL in Negotiations for Digital Downloads

Representation of the National Football League in negotiations for digital downloads of NFL content and a wide range of other new media deals with Yahoo!, iTunes and others.

Challenging the largest broadcast indecency fine ever proposed by the FCC as lead counsel for a coalition of nearly 100 broadcast television stations.

NextWave and Others in Spectrum Strategies and Opportunities

Represented NextWave, other applicants and licensees, and numerous investors in connection with new spectrum ideas, purchases, auctions and new technologies in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 2 GHz spectrum.

New Skies on Multiple Matters

For New Skies, a spin-off of Intelsat, we have provided FCC advice and also have handled arbitration, litigation, export control and intellectual property projects.

Network Affiliated Stations Alliance and NAB in Battle before Congress, FCC, and Third and D.C. Circuits Courts of Appeals

Waging on behalf of the Network Affiliated Stations Alliance and the National Association of Broadcasters a multi-year, multi-venue battle before Congress, the FCC, and the Third and D.C. Circuits Courts of Appeals on the national television ownership rule, successfully achieving a legislative reversal of the FCC’s decision.

National Press Photographers Association in Protection of Journalists' Rights

Protecting the rights of journalists to gather news in the New York and New Jersey transit systems, on behalf of the National Press Photographers Association.

National Geographic Society in Creation of Channel

Representation of National Geographic Society in the creation of the National Geographic Channel with News Corp. and NBC.

NAB Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Representation of the National Association of Broadcasters before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Schwarzenegger case, which concerns the First Amendment validity of state-imposed limitations on violent video games.

Multiple Clients on Legislative and Regulatory Policy and Litigation Issues

Representation of clients on various legislative and regulatory policy and litigation issues, including (1) retransmission consent, (2) downconversion of digital signals by cable systems, (3) carriage of digital multicast streams by cable, DBS and other video program distributors, (4) indecency, (5) media ownership and (6) importation of distant signals by DBS operators.

Representation of Microsoft in negotiating reseller agreements for interactive voice recognition cloud services between Microsoft subsidiary Tellme and various partners, initially Juma Technology Company and its subsidiary Nectar Services Corp.

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) in Corporate Matters

Representation of Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), an L-band MSS provider that has an authorization for a next generation service using ancillary terrestrial components (ATC), in corporate and transactional matters, including equity and debt financing.

Microsoft in License Negotiations for Xbox 360

Representation of Microsoft in negotiating licenses for IP related digital output and copy protection technology for the Xbox 360 console.

Representation of Microsoft before the FCC on various issuing surrounding its Media Center and DRM products. We obtained FCC recognition of Windows Media Digital Rights Management software as a permissible means to handle digital content. We also represent the company in ongoing rulemakings and waiver petitions involving plug-and-play issues, including industry-wide efforts to resolve these issues.

Representation of the Newspaper Association of America, and an 70-member media coalition, in spearheading federal legislation to establish a journalists’ privilege. We have worked closely with proponents of legislation and with Congress to suggest creative solutions to protecting the integrity of the journalistic enterprise, in both traditional and digital media, while taking into account legitimate law enforcement and anti-terrorism concerns.

Coalition of Internet Leaders on Enactment of Net Neutrality Legislation

Working for the enactment of meaningful net neutrality legislation on behalf of a coalition of Internet leaders, including eBay, Google, InterActiveCorp, Microsoft and Yahoo!.

Trusted Advisor to Fortune 100 Companies

Canadian Satellite Radio in $100 million Bond Offering

Representation of Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. in a $100 million bond offering.

The Walt Disney Company in CrossBorder Acquisition

Represented The Walt Disney Company in its $455 million acquisition of India's UTV Software Communications Limited, an integrated media and entertainment company involved in broadcasting, motion pictures, games content, interactive, and television content.

Telular in Going Private Transaction

Represented Telular Corporation in its $253 million acquisition by Avista Capital Partners.

Telehealth IT System Development

Represented a major global pharmaceutical company on negotiating arrangements with multiple suppliers for the development and operation of a complex state-of-the-art telehealth IT system.

Represented Micro Focus in securing CFIUS and other national security approvals for its $8.8 billion acquisition of the software business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Geo-Location Counsel

We advise clients on legal requirements related to the collection, use, and disclosure of precise geo-location data, including the appropriate notices, consents (both opt-in choice and methods for withdrawing consent), and contractual provisions.

M&A Counsel

We represent Global 100 companies, private equity firms and investment banks as well as venture-backed companies in public and private transactions worldwide. Our lawyers advise investors from the start of diligence through the consummation of investments in IoT portfolio companies, and we combine our corporate negotiating expertise with our deep understanding of regulated industries.

Joint Venture and Licensing Agreement

We advised a technology vendor in negotiating a joint venture agreement and a licensing agreement with an automotive manufacturer to develop components for vehicles which contained the technology vendor's software.

Recovery for Data Security Breaches

Our top-ranked insurance practice has successfully handled the recovery under insurance coverage policies for several of the largest documented data security breaches.

Global Legislative and Regulatory Counsel

We help clients engage with policymakers developing IoT regulatory frameworks in jurisdictions worldwide. We have assisted clients with IoT products or services in identifying relevant legislative and regulatory developments, drafting and submitting comments on proposals to regulate IoT technologies, and lobbying policymakers on these issues. We monitor developments in jurisdictions across the world.

Emerging IoT Government Contracts Standards

We monitor and advise clients on legislation and regulations that affect IoT-related government contracts. For example, we track legislation that would require the development of contractual IoT security standards for IoT devices purchased from government contractors. We also advise on IoT best practices for government contractors.

IoT Electronics and Big Data

Our antitrust and competition lawyers in the U.S. and Europe assist clients with the novel competition issues that IoT generates. Matters have included advising a global electronics and connected devices player on big data developments in the EU from a competition law perspective.

Autonomous Vehicles AI Technology

We assist clients developing artificial intelligence technologies for autonomous vehicles. Matters have included advising a tech company on a joint venture for the development of autonomous vehicles AI technology. Separately, we assisted a client with a standard essential patents/essentiality complaint before the EU and national courts in the automotive/wider driverless car sector.

National Security Issues for IT Firms

We have counseled multiple IT firms (e.g., workstations, servers, firewalls) regarding processes governing development of code and servicing of customers to address U.S. government national security concerns.

Apparel Company Wearable Technology

We represented an apparel company in connection with its joint venture with a technology company related to the creation and distribution of wearable technology.

Smart Game Venues and Equipment

We represented a major sports league in acquisition and utilization of smart technology for game venues and game equipment.

Fintech Regulatory and Transactional Counsel

We advise on a range of fintech matters, including financial services compliance and licensing requirements applicable to new financial technologies, acquisition of financial technology providers, and financial services applications of new technologies.

Export Controls Compliance Advice

We represented vehicle manufacturers in assessing export controls requirements applicable to vehicle engine monitoring and diagnostic tools. We also represented a consumer goods company in evaluating the export controls and economic sanctions requirements applicable to supply-chain sensors used in packaging.

Sanctions and Antiboycott Advice

We regularly advise companies across sectors on complying with U.S. and EU economic sanctions and U.S. antiboycott measures, which can be relevant to a range of international transactions.

Digital Health Solution Regulatory Guidance

Strategy for Members of Industry Federation to Challenge Advertising Ban Imposed by EU Directive

Developed a litigation strategy for several members of an industry federation to challenge an advertising ban imposed by an EU directive for violations of the free speech provisions of Article 10 of the European Human Rights Convention.

Client with Obtaining UK Merger Clearance

Representation of a client in connection with obtaining UK merger clearance for the sale of a UK cable business.

Congressional testimony advice for cable programming company

We advised an independent lifestyle programming channel on the effects of a potential Comcast/Time Warner Cable merger and assisted them in communicating their concerns to Congress and relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, and the FCC. Covington’s work led to the channel’s then-CEO testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Copyright reform advice for consumer electronics companies in the EU

We have advised leading consumer electronics companies in the in EU in proceedings to consider possible reform of national rules on copyright levies.

Copyright and Fair Use Advice and Counseling to Publishers

Provide general copyright and fair use advice and counseling to publishers such as the National Geographic Society, the Washington Post Company, and Zomba Music Publishing, to various television broadcast stations, and to a number of leading online business and media ventures including The Microsoft Network, USA Interactive, and the National Football League. Covington is also special intellectual property counsel to the Smithsonian Institution.

Consumer Products Manufacturers and Sellers on Advertising Matters

Counseled major consumer products manufacturers and sellers on commercial and regulatory advertising issues.

Advised major content providers, including sports leagues and television programmers and operators, on broadcasting, online and digital media advertising trends.

Client in Financing National Wireless Telecommunications System

Representation of a client in financing a national wireless telecommunications system in India.

Celestial Pictures on PRC Regulatory Issues

Advised Celestial Pictures on certain PRC regulatory issues in connection with the formation of Celestial Tiger Entertainment, the joint venture Celestial formed with Lionsgate and the Saban Capital Group in late 2011.

Celestial Pictures on Intellectual Property Issues

Copyright and IP advice to Celestial Pictures, the owner of the Shaw Brothers library, the largest Chinese-language film collection in the world.

CBSInteractive in Various Service Agreements

CBSInteractive in various service agreements for digital media, wireless, and advertising services.

CBS Corp. v. FCC.

Covington successfully represented CBS against a threat by the FCC to make hundreds of thousands of pages of highly confidential programming contracts and negotiation materials available to hundreds of third parties. The D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of CBS, stating the FCC’s decision was “both substantively and procedurally flawed.”

China Filmed Entertainment in production, financing, and distribution arrangements for films including The Painted Veil, Forbidden Kingdom, and Crazy Stone; and Season 15 of CBS/Mark Burnett’s Survivor (shot entirely in China).

Conversational Assistants

Represented a client on data privacy and security issues raised in connection with its acquisition of a voice and chat assistant conversational AI company.

AI Data Privacy

Advising AI providers on the privacy implications of collecting and using large datasets of consumer data (including text, voice, and biometric information) to develop, train, and improve their AI solutions.

Autonomous Vehicles Law and Regulation

We advise manufacturers, technology companies and other stakeholders with respect to a range of legal issues associated with autonomous vehicles. For example, we advised an automotive bidder on a major government contract for a next-generation vehicle regarding NHTSA innovation-related exemptions and autonomous vehicle guidelines. We also advise a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer on NHTSA and CARB certification rules and autonomous vehicle guidelines.

Smart Home Device Privacy and Security Advice

We assist IoT device manufacturers on privacy issues specific to their products. For example, we advised the manufacturer of a smart in-home assistant device on privacy and security matters involving the collection of voice and other data.

Insurance Coverage for AI, Autonomous Vehicles, and Other IoT Products

We advise clients on closing insurance gaps associated with new technologies. Matters have included advising a client in identifying and providing solutions to gaps in coverage relating to AI use and risk, including with respect to AI used for autonomous vehicles. We help policyholders recover insurance—both in the U.S. and abroad—for a wide variety of claims, including mass-tort liabilities, property and business interruption losses, marine, and D&O, E&O, and many other types of exposures.

Technology and IP Transactions

We help clients draft and negotiate commercial contracts that involve IoT technology, and support deals in which parties are buying, selling, or investing in IoT technology.

Invalidation of 41 Claims in Victory for Media Clients

Representation of multiple petitioners, including The New York Times Company and CBS Interactive, in an IPR proceeding (and in seven inter partes reexamination proceedings) for patents held by Helferich Patent Licensing, LLC. The patents relate to cell phone messaging and were the subject of co-pending litigation in which the requesters were defendants. The PTAB provided another clean sweep IPR victory when it invalidated all 41 challenged claims of the patent. Following Covington’s argument in April 2015, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the PTAB’s decision, securing the clients’ victory.

On 4 December 2018, the Council of the European Union (the “Council”) formally approved a major reform of the European telecom regulatory framework, the European Electronic Communications Code (the “EECC”). The Council also approved an associated regulation on the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (“BEREC Regulation”). The Council’s ...

NEW YORK—Billboard honored Jacqueline Charlesworth at its annual Women in Music event as one of its "Women in Music 2018 Executive of the Year," recognizing her as one of "four powerhouse females” for her leadership in spearheading the passage of the Music Modernization Act, which was signed into law earlier this year. This marked the first time Billboard has ...

On 20 November 2018, the UK government published its response (the “Response”) to the June 2018 consultation (the “Consultation”) regarding the proposed new Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (“DEI”). First announced in the UK Chancellor’s Autumn 2017 Budget, the DEI will identify measures needed to strengthen the way data and AI are used and...… Continue ...

On November 30, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) hosted a forum to discuss artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning. Chairman Ajit Pai moderated the forum’s two main panels “What Is AI and Where Is It Taking Us?” and “Applications of AI and Machine Learning in the Here and Now,” which invited academics, industry professionals,...… ...

On November 1, the European Patent Office’s (EPO) updated Guidelines for Examination went into effect. Of note, the Guidelines include a new subsection on “artificial intelligence and machine learning.” This is the latest milestone in a recent world-wide wave of interest in patenting in the field of artificial intelligence. However, the legal framework for ...

Congress is working to better understand the growing Internet of Things (“IoT”) industry—and soon may be asking industry stakeholders for input. On Wednesday, November 28, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation designed to provide Congress with greater insights into the inner workings of the IoT industry and to promote collaboration ...

Congress is working to better understand the growing Internet of Things (“IoT”) industry—and soon may be asking industry stakeholders for input. On Wednesday, November 28, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation designed to provide Congress with greater insights into the inner workings of the IoT industry and to promote collaboration ...

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has a key role to play in driving the development of connected and automated vehicles (“CAV”) technology. As we explained in a recent CAV IoT Update, the FCC has been studying the risks associated with specific CAV technologies that could provide unique channels for potential cyberattacks. This post examines the...… ...

The European Commission (the “Commission”) has launched an Open Public Consultation for building trust in Connected and Automated Mobility (the “CAM Consultation”) on the main challenges linked to the deployment of connected and automated mobility services in Europe and how trust should be built in such services. This CAM Consultation, which largely takes the ...

Last week, Covington dispatched a team of connected and automated vehicles (“CAV”) practitioners to participate in the Mcity Congress, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lawyers from our Technology and IP Transactions, Public Policy, Product Safety and Liability, and Insurance practice groups presented a series of observations and insights around mitigating liability in ...

On 8 October 2018, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) published a Working Paper on the ‘use of pricing algorithms to facilitate collusion and personalized pricing’ (the “Paper”). It follows a number of other initiatives from competition authorities regarding algorithms, including the recent German Monopolies Commission’s proposals regarding pricing ...

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) released a final rule approving three new Critical Infrastructure Protection (“CIP”) standards which address supply chain risk management for bulk electric systems (“BES”) operations. The new standards were developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (“NERC”) in response to FERC Order No. ...

By Grace Kim and Siobhan Kahmann Following an informal consultation earlier this year – as covered by our previous IoT Update here – the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (“DCMS”) published the final version of its Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security (“Code”) on October 14, 2018. This was developed by...… Continue Reading

Trisha Anderson and James Garland are quoted in Global Investigations Review regarding Ms. Anderson rejoining the firm. Mr. Garland believes Ms. Anderson will be a valuable asset to helping navigate the U.S. Cloud Act. He says, “Trisha has that ability to spot the pain points for both the clients and the government and help figure out a way forward. Sometimes ...

Melanie Ramey is quoted in Law360 regarding the General Data Privacy Law, Brazil’s new GDPR-inspired regulation. Ms. Ramey says, “It seems to be modeled off of the GDPR, but we don't know yet where the law will differ on the nitty-gritty."

CTIA, the U.S. wireless industry’s trade association, recently announced the creation of a cybersecurity certification program for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that connect to the internet via LTE or Wi-Fi. The program permits device makers to submit such IoT devices for testing by CTIA-authorized labs in order to obtain a certification of compliance ...

On July 20, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) published comments it received from a wide array of tech and telecom companies, trade groups, civil society, academia, and others regarding its “international Internet policy priorities for 2018 and beyond.” NTIA’s Office of International ...

On July 20, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) published comments it received from a wide array of tech and telecom companies, trade groups, civil society, academia, and others regarding its “international Internet policy priorities for 2018 and beyond.” NTIA’s Office of International ...

The European Commission estimates that the global market for the Internet of Things (“IoT”) will grow to 75.4 billion devices by 2023. It also estimates that the economic value of spectrum enabled services is at present worth €500 billion per year. This is expected to increase by 200% – up to €1 trillion a year...… Continue Reading

On May 24, 2018, China filled the top positions at the State Bureau of Film (Film Bureau) and State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP). Both appointments fill vacancies created by the dismantling of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and continue apparent Communist Party of China (CPC) efforts to ...

China has set out on an ambitious agenda of aiming to become the world leader in artificial intelligence by 2030. Policy experiments for a critical part of China’s AI development strategy, and to that end multiple government think tanks have set out formulating standards that may impact AI innovation in China. The China Electronics Standardization...… Continue ...

China has set out on an ambitious agenda of aiming to become the world leader in artificial intelligence by 2030. Policy experiments for a critical part of China’s AI development strategy, and to that end multiple government think tanks have set out formulating standards that may impact AI innovation in China. The China Electronics Standardization...… Continue ...

Timothy M. Persons, GAO Chief Scientist Applied Research and Methods, recently provided testimony on artificial intelligence (“AI”) before the House of Representatives’ Subcommittees on Research and Technology and Energy, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Specifically, his testimony summarized a prior GAO technological assessment on AI from March ...

Lee Tiedrich's comments from the U.S.-China AI Tech Summit are highlighted in this Law360 article providing a roundup of the top corporate news stories from the past week. According to Tiedrich, there’s a recognition that the new technology brings new legal challenges.

Lee Tiedrich recently spoke at the U.S.-China AI Tech Summit to discuss "AI in the Law" and is quoted in a Law360 article. According to Tiedrich, there is a recognition that the new technology brings new legal challenges. “One issue that’s been getting a lot of attention in the United States is whether and to what extent AI applications need to provide ...

Lee Tiedrich recently spoke at the U.S.-China AI Tech Summit and is quoted by The Recorder in an article examining the pros and cons of introducing AI into the judicial process. According to Tiedrich, AI in the justice system also implicates questions of transparency and intellectual property. In cases where it’s alleged that AI perpetuates hiring discrimination ...

As a startup founder, there are a number of issues vying for your attention on a daily basis, most of which are essential to the success of your business. Issues such as differentiating your product from competitors, developing stellar code, creating effective advertising, hiring the right staff and of course securing enough capital to fund...… Continue Reading

Jacqueline Charlesworth participated in the Music Biz 2018 conference and is quoted in a Billboard article providing highlights from the event. According to Charlesworth, who spoke on a panel focusing on the Music Modernization Act, “The [Notice of Intent system] doesn’t work in the digital age."

As policymakers weigh the many policy implications associated with the Internet of Things (“IoT”), U.S. lawmakers have put forward a variety of proposals for studying—and regulating—IoT devices. Although the likelihood of current proposals becoming law this term remain uncertain at best, existing legislative proposals provide important context and insight into ...

As policymakers weigh the many policy implications associated with the Internet of Things (“IoT”), U.S. lawmakers have put forward a variety of proposals for studying—and regulating—IoT devices. Although the likelihood of current proposals becoming law this term remain uncertain at best, existing legislative proposals provide important context and insight into ...

LOS ANGELES—Covington partners Carolyn Kubota, Robyn Polashuk, and Sonya Winner have been named to the Daily Journal’s 2018 “Top 100 Women Lawyers” list, recognizing the “top women lawyers in California.”
Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, Ms. Kubota is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has served as lead counsel on high-profile ...

Reflecting evidence from 280 witnesses from the government, academia and industry, and nine months of investigation, the UK House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence published its report “AI in the UK: ready, willing and able?” on April 16, 2018 (the Report). The Report considers the future of AI in the UK, from perceived...… Continue Reading

Pursuant to Executive Order 13636, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) established the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Version 1.0, a technology-neutral, voluntary, risk-based cybersecurity framework that includes standards and processes intended to align policy, business, and technological approaches to ...

Today, 34 global technology and security companies announced that they have signed a Cybersecurity Tech Accord, which publicly commits them “to protect and empower civilians online and to improve the security, stability and resilience of cyberspace.” The signatories include Cisco, Dell, Facebook, HP, Intuit, and Microsoft.The text of the Accord references ...

The Recorder highlights the arrival of Suzanne Bell to Covington's Technology Transactions practice. Bell says she was attracted to the firm's strong regulatory practice given the increased intersection between the technology sector and government regulations. Bell adds that she is looking forward to using her experience in technology transactions to assist ...

Last week, South Dakota became the 49th U.S. state to enact a data breach notification law with the passage of S.B. 62, which sets forth requirements for notifying state residents, the state attorney general, and major consumer reporting agencies in the event of a breach. The law, which will take effect on July 1, 2018,...… Continue Reading

On March 23, 2018, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law, the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (“CLOUD”) Act, which creates a new framework for government access to data held by technology companies worldwide.The CLOUD Act, enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, has two components.Part I: Extraterritorial Reach of U.S. ...

Artificial intelligence and big data are some of the new technologies dominating discourse in 2018. These technologies are expected to change the way that we travel, learn, and transact. However, this forecast is less clear for the least developed countries (LDCs). According to a United Nations study, science and technology and resource and development ...

Artificial intelligence promises to be a paradigm shift for many applications from manufacturing to finance, and from defense to education. Given the vast potential, focus on AI has sharpened around the world, including in China. Decision makers in Beijing and around the country are paying attention and have begun shaping a legal and policy regime...… Continue ...

Lindsey Tonsager recently spoke at the BCLT Privacy Law Forum in Silicon Valley is quoted in an mLex article discussing whether GDPR will automatically become a global privacy standard. Tonsager said that working with companies that depend on AI technology to become compliant with the GDPR “is incredibly, incredibly challenging." Commenting on modifications to ...

WASHINGTON—Covington secured a U.S. Presidential order compelling Broadcom Limited to “immediately and permanently abandon” its proposed hostile takeover of its client Qualcomm, Inc. The order was based on findings by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that Broadcom's takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United ...

Two hundred billion IoT devices could be in use by 2020, according to one estimate cited in the World Economic Forum’s recent report, Mitigating Risk in the Innovation Economy. This rapid integration of the digital world and the physical world presents unprecedented opportunities for businesses in a wide array of industries. But it also creates...… Continue ...

BEIJING—China Business Law Journal has recognized Covington as one of the top international law firms in the Entertainment & Sports category.
Covington’s Entertainment and Media practice in China has advised nearly every major Hollywood studio and many of the leading independents on their China activities and has been involved in some of the most significant ...

On the heels of the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) third annual “PrivacyCon,” the Future of Privacy Forum hosted its eighth annual “Privacy Papers for Policymakers” event on Capitol Hill—a gathering in which academics present their original scholarly works on privacy-related topics to D.C. policy wonks who may have a hand in shaping laws and regulations...… ...

Covington’s Africa Practice is looking forward to being a sponsor of the first-ever Africa House at South By Southwest (SXSW) this year. Launched in 1987, with a mission to foster discussion and collaboration in the music and art scene, SXSW has morphed into the ultimate gathering place for creatives, innovators, and technologists. Held in Austin,...… Continue ...

WASHINGTON—Covington successfully represented Discovery Communications, Inc. in a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into Discovery’s acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive. Discovery announced earlier today that the DOJ closed its investigation into the transaction.
Discovery announced in July 2017 that it had reached a definitive agreement to ...

This post was originally published on the Covington InsideTechMedia blog on February 12, 2018. At the start of 2018, we find ourselves in the midst of an autonomous vehicles revolution. In the private sector, leading, and some nascent, autonomous mobility innovators have forged ahead with a surge of investment. Last year, The Brookings Institution found...… ...

LOS ANGELES—Multichannel News has named Covington partner Robyn Polashuk to its 2018 class of “Women to Watch.” Ms. Polashuk is the only outside counsel named to the list.
“This year’s group of Women to Watch is pushing the boundaries in both personal and professional achievements,” said Mark Robichaux, Editorial Director of Multichannel News. The award ...

Robyn Polashuk was named to Multichannel News' 2018 class of “Women to Watch.” Commenting on what she likes most about her job, Polashuk says, "I love the diversity of the clients and projects, and the interesting new issues I am asked to address nearly every day in our evolving industry." In her profile, Polashuk also stresses the importance of growing ...

Digital advertising typically involves a vast network of publishers, advertisers and their agencies, advertising exchanges and networks, technology platforms, and measurement and data analytics providers. To help streamline the commercial dealings of all of these parties in this complex ecosystem, advertising industry self-regulatory groups have developed ...

Susan Cassidy is quoted in an E-Commerce Times article regarding efforts to create an online marketplace for government purchasers. "One model that was discussed would require a portal provider to contract with GSA to provide an online interface. Under this approach, suppliers would then sign up to use the portal, potentially via a contract with the portal ...

Kurt Wimmer and John Buchanan are quoted in a Law360 article providing cybersecurity and privacy predictions for 2018.
Wimmer says, once Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is in force, non-EU countries around the world will begin looking at privacy regimes based on the 1995 Directive [which the GDPR will replace] and think about whether they ...

SILICON VALLEY—The Financial Times has recognized Covington among the most innovative firms in 2017 in the category of "Enabling Business Growth," for advising "Tencent in its acquisition of a $8.6bn majority stake in Supercell, the Finnish gaming company, while maintaining Supercell’s creative culture and retaining its employees by introducing incentive ...

Kurt Wimmer is quoted in a Law360 article regarding the Ninth Circuit’s ruling in a case involving the disclosure of user app data to a third-party. "The court recognized that the concept of being publicly identified has limits, despite technological evolution," says Wimmer. "By reducing ambiguity around what qualifies as PII, this decision permits content and ...

BRUSSELS—Politico has named Covington partner Miranda Cole to its “2017 Women Who Shape Brussels” list, a group of “20 powerhouses driving debates and influencing policy in 2017.”
In its profile of Ms. Cole, the publication highlights her defense of leading technology clients, including Microsoft, Facebook, and Verizon, before the European Commission. Politico ...

Jadzia Butler is quoted in an HR Magazine article regarding a recent court order requiring Glassdoor to reveal the identities of users in response to a grand jury subpoena in a wire fraud case. It is "particularly concerning" if Internet users who believe they can have anonymous online discussions have their anonymity compromised by a mere subpoena, Butler says. ...

The Litigation Daily recognizes Jennifer Saulino's move to Covington as one of the top "Game-Changing Litigator Moves in October." According to John Hall, “Jennifer’s skill and experience in litigating and trying fact-intensive cases combined with her track record of success in complex jury cases will benefit our clients and strengthen the firm’s general ...

The National Law Journal highlights Jennifer Saulino's return to Covington. “Covington offered me a really exciting opportunity to marry my focus on trial work with Covington’s diverse practice areas and client base on a very large scale," she says.

SAN FRANCISCO—The Recorder has named Covington partner Ingrid Rechtin to its list of “2017 Women Leaders in Tech Law.” This annual recognition commemorates “recent outstanding work by California-based lawyers whose practices focus on technology companies and issues.”
In its profile of Ms. Rechtin, the publication highlights her representation of Sanofi in ...

WASHINGTON—Jennifer Saulino has joined Covington’s Litigation and White Collar Defense and Investigation practices as a partner in Washington.
Ms. Saulino’s practice focuses on trials as well as defending individuals and corporations in investigations and prosecutions, with particular experience in the pharmaceutical, health care, banking and securities, oil and ...

BEIJING—China Law & Practice has named Covington as the international winner for “Trade Firm of the Year” at its annual awards ceremony in Beijing. The leading Chinese legal publication also recognized the firm for its role in the Technology, Media, and Telecom “Deal of the Year,” Tencent’s $8.6 billion acquisition of Supercell.
The awards focus on “innovation ...

John Hall and Jennifer Saulino are quoted in a Law360 article regarding her return to Covington as a partner in the firm's Litigation and Investigations practice. According to Hall, Saulino has “earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and adversaries” in the courtroom with both her skills and her willingness to take on the most difficult cases. ...

The Recorder named Ingrid Rechtin one of its "2017 Women Leaders in Tech Law." In her profile, Ms. Rechtin provides advice to young lawyers in tech. She says, "Be flexible and open to new opportunities. The tech space evolves quickly and as a lawyer you can provide more value to your clients if you have a broader view—across industries, companies of all sizes, ...

WASHINGTON—The American Lawyer honored Covington with two Global Legal Awards, recognizing the firm’s success in “navigating complex international legal issues.” The firm was recognized for “Global M&A Deal of the Year: Japan” and “Global Dispute of the Year: Investigations (Asia).”
Covington advised Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading provider of internet ...

On August 1, 2017, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced legislation (fact sheet) that would establish minimum cybersecurity standards for Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices sold to the U.S. Government. As Internet-connected devices become increasingly ubiquitous and susceptible to evolving and complex cyber threats, the proposed bill attempts to safeguard ...

LONDON—Covington is advising Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (CME) on the sale of its broadcast operations in Croatia and Slovenia to Slovenia Broadband S.à r.l for approximately $262.2 million. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2017.
CME is a NASDAQ-listed media and entertainment company operating leading businesses in six Central and ...

In a widely anticipated step, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has released the text of a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) proposing to change the legal framework that governs broadband providers, eliminate the “Internet conduct standard” for evaluating broadband provider practices on a case-by-case basis, and seek comment on whether to keep, modify, or ...

Kurt Wimmer is quoted in a Law360 article regarding the Eleventh Circuit's decision to reject a proposed class action brought by a CNN app user claiming that CNN violated the Video Privacy Protection Act. According to Wimmer, "Unlike the Yershov court, the CNN panel seems to understand how apps actually work, which will be helpful going forward."

Earlier this month, in Maloney v. T3Media Inc.,[1] the Ninth Circuit held that former college athletes could not assert a right of publicity to prevent the NCAA and its licensee, T3Media, from distributing images of the players. The court ruled that the players’ right of publicity was preempted by Section 301 of the Copyright Act because photographs of the ...

Thomas Repke is quoted in a Law360 article regarding his arrival to the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice. “This is an opportunity to share best practices, put the best teams together, which the firm is really conducive to,” Repke says. “Providing excellence in client service and that’s really the goal. Having been in-house for the past seven years, ...

On April 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released a draft of the Measures on Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer of Personal Information and Important Data (“the Draft Measures”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here; Covington’s translation of the Draft Measures is appended at the end of this alert).

WASHINGTON—Thomas Repke, who has extensive M&A private practice and in-house experience, has joined Covington as a partner in its Mergers and Acquisitions practice in Washington.
Most recently, Mr. Repke served as lead counsel for Tyco on all M&A, divestiture, joint venture, and investment transactions across all business units. While at Tyco, he helped ...

NEW YORK—Tom Kuhn has joined Covington’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice, and will focus on media and technology transactions. He will be based in the firm’s New York office.
Mr. Kuhn is a seasoned M&A deal maker, with experience both as a lawyer and as a banker. He also advises on corporate governance matters and provides strategic counseling. He has ...

Simon Frankel and Jacqueline Charlesworth are quoted by Intellectual Property Magazine in an article regarding Charlesworth’s recent arrival. According to Frankel, “Jacqueline’s experience includes a rare combination of litigation, transactional and policy work in both public service and private practice.” He adds, “At a time of significant technological ...

Simon Frankel is quoted in a Commercial Dispute Resolution article regarding Jacqueline Charlesworth’s arrival to Covington. “Jacqueline’s experience includes a rare combination of litigation, transactional and policy work in both public service and private practice,” says Frankel. “At a time of significant technological developments and potential revisions to ...

Simon Frankel and Jacqueline Charlesworth are quoted in an IPWatchdog article regarding Charlesworth’s recent arrival to Covington’s Intellectual Property Rights and Communications and Media practices. “Jacqueline’s experience includes a rare combination of litigation, transactional and policy work in both public service and private practice,” says Frankel. “At ...

Jacqueline Charlesworth and Simon Frankel are quoted in a Law360 article regarding Charlesworth’s arrival to Covington’s Intellectual Property Rights and Communications and Media practices. According to Charlesworth, the firm’s outstanding legal talent and highly collaborative culture drew her to Covington. “And, even though I am based in New York, I will have ...

NEW YORK—Jacqueline C. Charlesworth has joined Covington’s Intellectual Property Rights and Communications and Media practices in the New York office. She most recently served as General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights of the U.S. Copyright Office.
While at the Copyright Office, Ms. Charlesworth had primary responsibility for interpretation of the ...

Ian Hargreaves and David Lorello are quoted in a Global Investigations Review article regarding Hargreaves’ recent arrival to Covington. According to Hargreaves, the firm’s “pre-eminence in dispute resolution, and its immense strength and global recognition as a market-leader in white-collar crime matters and investigations” fueled his decision.
Lorello says, ...

WASHINGTON—Matthew S. DelNero has rejoined Covington as a partner in its Communications and Media Practice Group in Washington. Mr. DelNero most recently served as Chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau.
Mr. DelNero was a Covington partner from 2011 until January 2014, when he became Deputy Chief of the Wireline Competition ...

Matt DelNero is quoted in a Broadcasting & Cable article regarding his return to Covington’s Communications and Media practice. According to DelNero, “I look forward to handling a diverse array of issues for clients in the content, telecommunications, and technology sectors and to helping develop the firm’s Media & Communications practice into the future.”

Matt DelNero and Yaron Dori are quoted in a Law360 article regarding DelNero’s return to Covington as a partner in its Communications and Media Practice Group where he will oversee a diverse portfolio of telecom issues, including broadband expansion, privacy, data security and merger activity, bringing to the practice a new appreciation for the policy process ...

LONDON—Ian Hargreaves has joined Covington as a partner in the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice resident in London. Mr. Hargreaves’ arrival follows that of litigation partners Craig Pollack, Greg Lascelles, Elaine Whiteford, and Louise Freeman over the past six months.
Mr. Hargreaves advises on major European white collar and related civil and ...

Louise Freeman and Johan Ysewyn are quoted in a Global Competition Review article regarding Freeman’s arrival to the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice. According to Freeman, Covington is an exciting firm to join – especially as the firm is “expanding at a phenomenal rate.” She adds, “It’s going to be great fun educating the London market on what is ...

Alex Leitch and Jeremy Wilson are quoted in a Law360 article regarding the arrival of Craig Pollack and Louise Freeman to the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice. According to Leitch and Wilson, “The firm’s growing footprint in London is a reflection of client demand that is fueled by the increasingly challenging regulatory and compliance environment, ...

LONDON—Craig Pollack and Louise Freeman have joined Covington as partners in the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice resident in London. Mr. Pollack will also serve as co-chair of the firm’s Global Disputes Initiative with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and former U.S. Under Secretary of State Alan Larson.
Mr. Pollack focuses on complex high ...

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named six Covington lawyers as MVPs in their respective practice areas. The awards single out lawyers from across various practice areas based on their “success in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters, and record-breaking deals.”
The Covington lawyers recognized as Law360 MVPs are:
Shara Aranoff, International Trade. Ms. ...

SHANGHAI—China Business Law Journal has named Covington partner Weishi Li to its “A-List” of the top 100 private practice lawyers in China. Ms. Li is one of two life sciences lawyers recognized by the magazine.
China Business Law Journal’s inaugural A-list is based on interviews of in-house counsel in China and around the world, as well as partners at Chinese ...

Law360 selected Derek Ludwin as a 2016 Sports MVP and profiled his work over the past year, including his defense of the U.S. Olympic Committee against an antitrust challenge to its longtime ban on on-field advertising brought by Olympic runner Nick Symmonds through his company, Run Gum. “This is an organization that a lot of us grew up following. It’s the ...

WASHINGTON—SportsBusiness Journal has named Doug Gibson and Gregg Levy to its list of the “50 Most Influential People in Sports Business.” Mr. Gibson and Mr. Levy are two of only four lawyers in private practice on the list, which also includes league commissioners and team owners, broadcast industry and sponsor company CEOs, and other high-profile executives in ...

Law360 selected Marty Myers as a 2016 Insurance MVP and profiled his work over the past year, including his representation of World Fuel Services which scored the company a $24.5 million reward for insurance coverage related to a $17 million marine cargo loss off the coast of West Africa. “Each case suggests its own strategies,” Myers says. “In part, it’s being ...

Provisions of a new French law, adopted on September 28, 2016, will loosen France’s rules around videogaming contests in France, and lay down new labor regulations for professional gamers. For now, clients ought to exercise significant caution before arranging French eSports contests or entering into contracts with professional gamers in France. Even after the ...

On September 13, 2016, Jun Ping Zhang (“Zhang”), former head of Harris Corporation’s (“Harris”) subsidiary in China, agreed to pay $46,000 to settle allegations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that Zhang knowingly authorized and facilitated bribes to Chinese government officials at state-owned hospitals and local health departments and ...

Tom DeFilipps and Doug Gibson are quoted by The Recorder in an article regarding DeFilipps’ recent move to Covington, where he will serve as chair of the West Coast corporate practice. According to DeFilipps, “Covington presented to me an opportunity to do something that sounded very interesting at this point in my career.” He continues, "I felt as though it was ...

Timothy Hester and Tom DeFilipps are quoted in an ABF Journal article regarding the arrival of DeFilipps to Covington. According to Hester, “Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California.”
DeFilipps says, “I am very pleased to join Covington’s growing California practice.” He continues, “I am ...

Tom DeFilipps and Doug Gibson are quoted in a Daily Journal article regarding DeFilipps’ move to Covington’s Silicon Valley office. Commenting on the draw to Covington DeFilipps says, “One of the more compelling aspects of the Covington platforms is the way it allows you to meld the strength of its regulatory practice in D.C. and non-U.S. jurisdictions, like ...

SILICON VALLEY—Tom DeFilipps has joined Covington as a partner in the Silicon Valley office and will serve as chair of the West Coast Corporate practice.
“Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California,” said Timothy Hester, Covington’s chair. “Tom has built a successful Northern California ...

Timothy Hester and Tom DeFilipps are quoted in a Law360 article regarding DeFilipps’ recent arrival. According to Hester, “Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California.” He continues, “Tom has built a successful Northern California corporate practice over many years and has a demonstrated track ...

Mitchell Kamin is quoted in a Los Angeles Business Journal article regarding a $25 million verdict against ISP Cox in a copyright infringement case brought by BMG Rights Management. According to Kamin, “The music industry and copyright holders are certainly pushing to limit the safe-harbor provision.” He continues, “They feel companies on the tech side of things ...

Our Brexit Task Force is staffed by senior lawyers and advisors across London, Brussels, and Washington to monitor events and to keep clients apprised of legal, regulatory, and policy developments. We are advising clients across a wide range of businesses and industries on the impact and implications of Brexit, including on strategic policy and regulatory ...

The UK has voted to leave the European Union in an advisory referendum. 52% leave - 48% remain.
Were the UK to leave the EU, this would have significant implications for the UK and for international businesses operating in the UK. The longer term impact of the decision on the regulatory framework for the UK will depend, in part, on the relationship that the UK ...

SILICON VALLEY—Covington advised Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading provider of internet service in China, in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Supercell from SoftBank. A consortium established by Tencent will acquire up to 84% of Supercell for $8.6 billion in a transaction valuing Supercell at approximately $10.2 billion.
Supercell is a ...

WASHINGTON—Covington has again received top rankings from Chambers USA, with 60 practice rankings and 120 individual rankings for lawyers in the publication’s 2016 edition. The legal guide identifies leading lawyers and law firm practices based on interviews conducted by Chambers’ researchers with thousands of lawyers and their clients.
The firm was ranked in ...

NEW YORK—Covington is advising MagtiCom Ltd., the leading mobile operator in the Republic of Georgia, on its definitive agreement to acquire retail and corporate ISP cable assets from Caucasus Online LLC. The deal is expected to close on or around August 1, 2016.
Following the successful conclusion of the transaction, MagtiCom will be the first and only operator ...

BRUSSELS — Carl Bildt, the former Prime Minister of Sweden, has joined Covington as a Senior Policy Advisor in the firm’s global Public Policy and Government Affairs practice. Most recently, Mr. Bildt served as Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs between 2006 and 2014.
As Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Bildt led the government that negotiated and signed ...

NEW YORK — Covington advised Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer Ben Silverman on the creation of Propagate Content, a media production and distribution company. A+E has agreed to fund the company with $30 million in equity and has committed to buy $15 million in scripted or unscripted projects in a five-year deal.
Propagate has already signed Will.i.am and ...

BRUSSELS — Erika Mann, a former Member of the European Parliament and policymaker with over 20 years of experience, has joined Covington in its Brussels office as a senior European policy advisor in the firm’s global Public Policy and Government Affairs practice. Most recently, Ms. Mann served as Managing Director of Public Policy for Facebook in Brussels from ...

Kurt Wimmer is quoted in this MarketWatch article regarding the FAA’s decision to allow Cape Productions, a drone video startup, to fly drones hundreds of feet closer to people than previously permitted. According to Wimmer, the FAA’s approval for Cape Productions sets a “much more realistic precedent” for future commercial drone usage.

Jason Goldberg participated in a discussion at the Asia Leadership Roundtable forum titled "The Strategic Implications for Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong's Film Industry under the IP Era." China Daily quoted Goldberg, who said, "Movie companies should think long-term how IP protection can provide income in the future.” He continued, "The awareness of IP ...

Simon Frankel is quoted by the Cybersecurity Law Report discussing the modern interpretation of the Video Privacy Protection Act, which was first applicable to video cassette rentals in 1988. Even though it was updated in 2012, Frankel points out, “That’s sort of the broader trend – courts are really struggling with how the statute, not written for this [online] ...

NEW YORK, October 6, 2015 - Covington partner C. William Phillips has been named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. Mr. Phillips is the seventh Covington lawyer among the current Fellows, joining Lanny Breuer, Robert Haslam, James McKay, John Nields, George Pappas, and Robert Sayler.
Mr. ...

SAN FRANCISCO, August 20, 2015 — Covington advised Tencent Holdings Ltd. on its US$50 million investment in Ontario-based Kik Interactive, Inc., a messenger application with more than 200 million registered users.
Tencent is a Chinese company that provides value-added Internet, mobile and telecom services and online advertising. Its messaging app WeChat has ...

This report proposes four overlapping principles that should guide the integrated global accountability framework for the post-2015 process: transparency, inclusiveness, deliberation and responsiveness.

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2015 — Covington will open a new office in Los Angeles on March 9. The office will be staffed by current firm lawyers and three new senior lawyers and will focus initially on insurance coverage, media and content distribution, patent litigation, public policy/government affairs and white collar defense.
"We believe there is a strong base ...

WASHINGTON, DC, January 27, 2015 — Covington was named one of the top 2014 “Media and Entertainment Practice Groups of the Year” by Law360.Law360 highlighted the practice for its involvement in “the most-talked-about sports media rights deals last year,” including the NFL's Sunday Ticket agreement with DirecTV, Steve Ballmer’s bid for the Los Angeles Clippers, ...

The firm is featured in this article regarding being named a "Media & Entertainment Practice Group of the Year."
"Covington & Burling LLP was involved in the most-talked-about sports media rights deals last year, including the NFL's $12 billion Sunday Ticket pact with DirecTV, and helped seal Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion bid for the Los Angeles Clippers, making ...

Covington's Doug Gibon was named a Law360 MVP:
"Covington & Burling LLP partner Doug Gibson’s name appears on many high-profile sports industry deals, including this summer’s negotiation of former Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers and the National Football League’s extension on DirecTV’s rights for NFL Sunday ...

Covington is featured in this article regarding the firm advising the National Basketball Association on a media rights deals with Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Inc.’s Turner Broadcasting System.
"The agreement comes on the heels of the NFL's renewal of its Sunday Ticket game package with DirecTV last week. Covington counseled its longtime client the NFL on ...

London, October 9, 2014 - Covington & Burling has been selected as the winner in the Technology, Media and Telecoms category of Legal 500 UK Awards 2014, with a focus on Data Protection. Covington’s European technology, media and telecoms lawyers draw on the firm’s deep roots in the software, Internet, telecommunications and media industries and act as strategic ...

Marty Myers is mentioned in Bloomberg regarding his recent move to Covington:
"Covington & Burling LLP said Martin H. Myers joined its insurance recovery practice, representing corporate policyholders in complex coverage disputes with insurers. Myers, who joins the firm as a partner in San Francisco, was previously at Jones Day."

SAN FRANCISCO, September 3, 2013 — Covington & Burling is advising Microsoft Corp. in its purchase of substantially all of Nokia’s devices & services business. Under the transaction, Microsoft will also license Nokia’s patents, and license and use Nokia’s mapping services. The total transaction price is EUR 5.44 billion in cash — or more than $7 billion.
The ...

WASHINGTON, DC, July 25, 2012 — The Federal Communications Commission handed a decisive victory to the Tennis Channel yesterday in its discriminatory carriage lawsuit against Comcast Cable Communications, the largest distributor of video programming content.
Covington & Burling secured the victory against the largest content distributor in the nation. The ...

WASHINGTON, DC, June 11, 2012 — Chambers USA recognized 106 individual Covington & Burling lawyers and 46 Covington practice areas in the 2012 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guidebook released on June 7, 2012.
Many of the 106 Covington lawyers ranked by Chambers USA were recognized in multiple categories, resulting in a total of 131 ...

BRUSSELS, 17 January, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Jean De Ruyt has joined the firm’s government affairs group as a senior European policy advisor in Brussels. Ambassador Jean De Ruyt is among the most experienced diplomats in Europe. Most recently, he served as the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union and was ...

WASHINGTON, DC, December 21, 2011 — Following an eight-day bench trial, a Federal Communications Commission Administrative Law Judge ruled in favor of Tennis Channel in its discriminatory carriage lawsuit against Comcast Cable Communications.
This historic decision is the first time any independent programming network has won a discrimination case against a ...

LONDON, 8 December, 2011 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Kristian Wiggert has joined the firm’s European corporate group as a partner in London.
Mr. Wiggert is a US-qualified lawyer with extensive experience in cross-border financings, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and securities. His practice covers a wide range of industries, ...

SAN FRANCISCO, November 17, 2011 — Covington & Burling helped secure approval from the Federal Election Commission today for an innovative shopping program that could change the way individuals make campaign contributions by making it easier for small donors to participate in the political process.
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., GivingSphere allows ...

WASHINGTON, DC, November 1, 2011 — For the second consecutive year, U.S. News-Best Lawyers awarded Covington & Burling the most first-tier practice rankings for Washington, DC in the “Best Law Firms” survey. The 2011-12 survey also awarded the firm 82 first-tier practice rankings, placing Covington among the top 20 firms nationwide.
Additionally, U.S. ...

WASHINGTON, SAN FRANCISCO, BRUSSELS, AND LONDON, May 10, 2011 —Covington & Burling LLP is advising Microsoft Corp. in its acquisition of Skype Global S.à.r.l., the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash.
Microsoft’s purchase of Skype from the investor group led by Silver Lake is expected to increase the accessibility of real-time ...

LONDON, December 16, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP has been named the "Sports, Media & Entertainment Team of the Year 2010" by Intellectual Property Magazine in recognition of the firm’s contribution to promoting and protecting the sports and entertainment-related IP rights of its clients. The award recognises Covington’s work over the past year, which has ...

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Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071.
The practice in Johannesburg is conducted by an affiliated limited company Covington & Burling (Pty) Ltd. The practice in Dublin Ireland is through a general affiliated Irish partnership, Covington & Burling and authorized and regulated by the Law Society of Ireland with registration number F9013.